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"I Was Ready For Asia Cup…,": Shami Sets Aside Fitness Doubts, Takes Dig At Indian Selectors

Aakash Saini

Mohammed Shami [Source: @debasissen/x]Mohammed Shami [Source: @debasissen/x]

Mohammed Shami was excluded from Team India squad by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the upcoming 2025 T20 Men’s Asia Cup in the UAE. While several fans and cricket experts perceived Shami’s exclusion as a consequence of some unspoken fitness concern, the pacer himself has dismissed any such notions with a fiery clarification.

In an explosive reveal, the soon-to-be 35-year-old cricketer confirmed that he was dropped from the Indian team for the tournament by the selection committee.

Mohammed Shami Confirms Asia Cup Snub

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has confirmed that he was indeed overlooked by the selectors for Team India squad for the upcoming 2025 T20 Men’s Asia Cup in the UAE. The fast bowler claimed that since he is scheduled to play the 2025 Duleep Trophy season in India, he is also fit enough to play the continental event.

During an exclusive interview with Manak Gupta from News24, Mohammed Shami said:

“If I am Playing in Duleep Trophy - I was ready for Asia Cup also.”

Mohammed Shami made his international return to Indian cricket back in February this year during India’s white-ball home series against England. Shami’s return marked his comeback to the Indian team for the first time in over 14 months, i.e., since the conclusion of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup where he finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker despite battling an injury.

The legendary Indian fast bowler also toured UAE after the England series and lifted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy alongside the rest of his national teammates.

Nonetheless, Mohammed Shami is currently included in the East Zone team for the upcoming 2025 Duleep Trophy season. The first match of the tournament will be played between North Zone and East Zone from August 28 onwards in Bengaluru.