After a week of speculation around his fitness and non-selection, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has finally chosen to stay quiet, saying he doesn’t want to fuel further controversy.
Speaking to reporters after taking 8 wickets, including a 5-wicket haul, against Gujarat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens, Shami said, “I always end up being in controversies — you (the media) have made me that kind of bowler. Mai bolunga to bawal ho jayega (If I speak, I will get in trouble). Now what can I say? I can’t even blame you; everyone does the same thing. On social media, people say anything they want.”
The pacer’s comments come days after his public disagreement with Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar, who had said the BCCI medical team didn’t consider Shami fit for international selection. Shami, in turn, had stated that it wasn’t his responsibility to provide fitness updates, insisting that his job was to prepare and play when called upon.
To ease tensions, the BCCI sent RP Singh, the newly appointed Central Zone selector, to Kolkata for a one-on-one discussion with the veteran pacer. The meeting appears to have had a calming effect, as Shami has since chosen not to escalate the issue further.
With Shami back in rhythm in domestic cricket, his performance against Gujarat could pave the way for a return to the national setup once he receives medical clearance from the BCCI’s team of specialists.
