“What is his future?” - Irfan Pathan questions the selection committee for Mohammed Shami’s constant non-selection

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has questioned the Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for the constant non-selection of the star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami in the limited-over squads.

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Notably, Irfan’s comments came right after the BCCI announced India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, and Shami continued to miss out on selection without a valid reason from the selection committee. 

For the unversed, the veteran pacer, who was last part of India’s Champions Trophy squad in March 2025, has been omitted ever since in the squad. He was later ignored for the Test series against England, West Indies and South Africa. He was also missed for the ODI series against Australia.

The 35-year-old seamer was part of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season, picking up 11 wickets from five matches to prove his worth. Moreover, he was earlier part of the Ranji Trophy campaign and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 season.

"The biggest talking point is Mohammed Shami. What is his future? He's not someone who came yesterday, played a few matches and left. He has taken 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number. If you have taken more than 400 wickets and then you get dropped and questions are raised about your fitness - that happens with everyone. As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"But Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed, only the selection committee knows what they are thinking,” he added.

“If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform at such a level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again. I believe his doors should not be closed," he concluded.

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