Mohammed Shami hits out at media over controversy, says players have a personal life too

Mohammed Shami has expressed frustration with sections of the media, accusing journalists of dragging his name into unnecessary controversies and urging them to respect the personal lives of cricketers. The veteran India fast bowler made the remarks while speaking to reporters during Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services in Delhi, where he also backed teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national setup and spoke about his commitment to Bengal cricket.

Shami, one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, has remained away from international cricket since March 2025. Despite his absence from the national team, the 35-year-old continues to attract attention because of his contribution to Indian cricket, particularly during the 2023 ODI World Cup, when he emerged as one of the tournament’s most influential bowlers.

However, the latest interaction was not just about cricket. Shami used the opportunity to deliver a pointed message to the media, acknowledging the support he has received over the years while making it clear that he does not appreciate being repeatedly associated with controversial stories.

“I have said this multiple times,” Shami said, explaining that sections of the media often drag him into controversies. He also acknowledged that journalists have supported him throughout his career but stressed that unnecessary issues should not be created.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the relationship between professional cricketers and the media, particularly when sporting performances, personal matters and public speculation begin to overlap.

Mohammed Shami asks media to respect players’ personal lives

Shami’s strongest message was directed at journalists whom he believes sometimes create unnecessary controversy around players. While recognising the media’s role in covering cricket and supporting athletes, he called for greater responsibility when reporting stories involving individual cricketers.

“Say what is right. Rest, we are players. We also have a personal life and we are also bound to make mistakes,” Shami said.

He further admitted that, like anyone else, he can occasionally lose his temper, although he maintained that he does not deliberately misbehave with people.

The statement offered a glimpse into the pressure that comes with being an established international cricketer. Players are expected to perform consistently, handle criticism professionally and remain accessible to the public. At the same time, their words and actions are often examined beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.

Shami’s remarks underline the distinction between legitimate reporting and speculation. Cricket remains a public profession, and performances, selection decisions and on-field conduct naturally attract scrutiny. However, the fast bowler’s message was that coverage should remain accurate and should not manufacture controversy for attention.

His comments may resonate with other athletes who have spoken about the challenges of maintaining privacy while competing at the highest level.

Shami backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India comeback

Alongside his criticism of sections of the media, Shami also spoke positively about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s national setup.

The two experienced fast bowlers have shared the Indian dressing room during different phases of their careers. Bhuvneshwar last represented India in 2022 before earning another opportunity in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, according to the squad announcement discussed during the interaction.

Shami believes Bhuvneshwar’s performances deserved recognition much earlier.

“The way he has performed, he should have made a comeback a long time ago,” Shami said.

The endorsement carries weight because both players have built their careers around different strengths. Bhuvneshwar is known for his ability to swing the new ball, maintain control in the powerplay and deliver variations at the death. Shami, meanwhile, has earned a reputation for seam movement, pace and his ability to strike with the new ball as well as in the middle overs.

Both bowlers have experienced periods away from the national team, highlighting how competitive selection has become and how difficult it can be for experienced players to reclaim their places.

Bhuvneshwar’s reported recall also illustrates that age and past international experience do not necessarily close the door on a return. Consistent domestic performances can strengthen a player’s case, particularly when selectors are looking for specific skills and greater depth in the bowling department.

For Shami, praising his teammate was also an opportunity to focus attention on cricket rather than the controversies he believes have surrounded his name.

Why Mohammed Shami has been absent from Team India

Shami’s absence from the Indian team remains an important part of the wider story. He played a major role in India’s run to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches.

His performances during that campaign demonstrated his ability to change the course of a match within a short spell. Shami consistently troubled batters with seam movement, accuracy and the ability to hit the stumps, making him one of India’s most dangerous weapons throughout the competition.

He was also part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in 2025. Yet he has not featured for the national side since March of that year.

Fitness, workload management and competition for places are significant considerations for fast bowlers, particularly those with extensive international careers. However, without a confirmed selection update explaining every factor behind Shami’s current status, it would be premature to attribute his absence to a single reason.

India’s fast-bowling resources have continued to evolve, with selectors balancing experienced campaigners against younger options across formats. For a bowler with Shami’s record, the challenge is to remain competitive through performances and fitness while waiting for another opportunity.

His continued involvement in domestic cricket gives him a platform to demonstrate his readiness and contribute to Bengal’s campaign.

Shami misses Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Services

Despite being with the Bengal squad in Delhi for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Shami was left out of the playing XI for the Elite Group C match against Services.

Bengal went on to secure a 60-run victory, with spinner Shahbaz Ahmed receiving the Player of the Match award for his contribution to the result.

Shami’s omission naturally attracted attention because of his international reputation. However, a player’s absence from a particular playing XI does not, by itself, establish the reason behind the decision. Team combinations, match conditions, fitness considerations and tactical requirements can all influence selection.

The result was nevertheless significant for Bengal, who secured a valuable victory in their domestic campaign. The Ranji Trophy remains an important competition for established internationals and emerging players alike, offering opportunities to build form and help their state teams compete for honours.

For Shami, domestic cricket is more than a route back to the national side. It is also a connection to the team where his cricketing journey developed and where he continues to see value in contributing.

‘I even want to retire while playing for Bengal’

Shami’s comments about his future with Bengal offered another revealing moment from the interaction.

Addressing the attention surrounding his omission, he said that the recognition he receives today is connected to his association with the team. He also made a strong statement about where he would like to finish his playing career.

“I even want to retire while playing for Bengal,” Shami said.

He added that a player must remain loyal and hardworking regardless of the level at which he competes.

“It doesn’t matter at what level you are playing; you just need to be loyal and hardworking. That’s the only thing that is in a player’s hands,” he said.

The comments reflect a grounded approach from a cricketer who has represented India on the biggest stages but continues to value domestic cricket. For Shami, representing Bengal appears to carry significance beyond selection opportunities or international recognition.

His words also reinforce the importance of domestic competitions in Indian cricket. The Ranji Trophy provides established players with opportunities to compete, while younger cricketers gain experience against high-quality opposition. Performances at this level can shape careers and help players maintain their competitive edge.

Whether Shami returns to international cricket remains to be seen. For now, his stated commitment is to keep working hard and contribute wherever he plays.

Stay tuned to ROKOCRICKET for the latest cricket news, India team updates, Ranji Trophy developments and exclusive sports stories. Subscribe to ROKOCRICKET to keep up with the biggest headlines from the world of cricket.