India chief selector Ajit Agarkar reveals why Mohammed Shami missed Australia tour: 'We were desperate to have him but ...'

Former India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has addressed Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the England series, stating it was due to fitness concerns. However, he did not specify the reason for Shami's absence from the upcoming Australia ODI series.

Shami's most recent international match was the Champions Trophy final. He then played nine matches in IPL 2025 before an injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament.


Following a three-month break from cricket, Shami returned to action in the Duleep Trophy, representing East Zone against North Zone. He managed to take only one wicket in 34 overs. Despite expectations of his inclusion in the Australia ODI series squad, he was not selected.

"Selection isn't in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I should not be here playing for Bengal. I think I don't need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers [Ranji Trophy], I can also play 50-overs cricket," Shami told PTI.

At the NDTV World Summit on Friday, Agarkar responded to Shami's comments.

"If he says that to me, I will answer that. If I read what he said, I will give him a call. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months. If he said something, that is a conversation for me to have with him," Agarkar said.

"If he were fit, he would have been on that plane to England. The domestic season has just started and we will see if he is fit enough. We were desperate to have him for the Australia tour, but he wasn't fit. If he is fit over the next two months, the story might change," Agarkar added.

During the ODI team announcement, the chief selector mentioned he had no update on Shami's situation.

Shami responded to this statement.

"About giving an update, it isn't my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. It isn't my job to give updates on my fitness. My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches," Shami said.

Currently, Mohammed Shami is participating in the Ranji Trophy tournament.

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