'This is not...'- Mohammed Shami breaks silence on retirement plans from international cricket

With several experienced stars of Indian cricket, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Cheteshwar Pujara, taking retirement from international cricket, the speculation has grown for the veteran pacer, Mohammed Shami, who has broken the silence on his future as he declared that he has no plans to step aside. 

Mohammed Shami’s last Test match came in 2023 against Australia during the final of the World Championship. Since then, undergoing the knee surgery, he featured for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy clash last season against Madhya Pradesh before being overlooked during the five-match Test series of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 down under.

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“If someone has a problem, tell me. Whose life will become better if I take retirement?” Shami told News24. “Mai kiski zindagi mein patthar bana hua hu ki tumhe mujhse retirement chahiye? The day I get bored, I will leave. You don’t pick me, don’t play me, I don’t care. But I will keep working hard.” The 34-year-old expressed during a recent interaction on News24.

Mohammed Shami confirms no instant retirement plans from international cricket

Shami has overall picked up 229 wickets in 122 innings of red-ball cricket at an average of 27.71 and a strike rate of 50,2, while in 107 ODI innings, the right-arm pacer has bagged 206 wickets at an average of 24.05 and a strike rate of 25.8. He, however, featured in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“You don’t pick me in internationals; I will play domestic. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. Retirement and such decisions are made when you start feeling bored, when you don’t want to wake up at 7 am for a Test. That’s not the time for me now. I’ll be up at 5 if you want me to.” Shami addressed during the same discussion.

The fast bowler, reflecting on his fitness, revealed that he had worked incredibly well over the past two months to build his rhythm and prepare for the longer spells in the game. He also shed light on continuing to fight until he doesn’t lose interest and drive from the game.