Mohammad Kaif demanded transparency from the BCCI regarding Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the upcoming New Zealand tour. Despite Shami taking 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches, selectors ignored him. Kaif said, "I believe there should be transparency. Come forward and tell us what the reason is." He remains sidelined.
Why is Mohammed Shami not a part of the Indian squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour? This seems to be a question that has been going around ever since he has been out of selection contention since the England tour in 2025. Now, it seems Mohammed Kaif has had enough and is demanding clarity from BCCI regarding the pacer's continued snub from the side.
Shami’s omission sparked a debate in September and October 2025, when then chief selector Ajit Agarkar raised concerns over the pacer’s fitness and match readiness.
Shami, however, maintained that his availability for Bengal showed he was fit to play. In May 2026, Agarkar said the selectors had not discussed a Test comeback, adding that the information available to them suggested Shami’s body was suited to T20 cricket at the time.
The pacer has continued to impress domestically, taking 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal last season at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. During the opener of the new Ranji season, Shami picked up five wickets in the first innings of the match against Services.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kaif commented on the reports regarding Shami's fitness, pointing out to the fact that even Jasprit Bumrah bowls short spells mostly and is given a break after that during Tests.
"I believe there should be transparency. Come forward and tell us what the reason is. He is doing everything right. He is playing Ranji, he is taking wickets, what could possibly be the reason? I read somewhere that he is not being selected because he is bowling only short spells. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls short spells, he gets a break after that. In England, when his workload was being managed, Shubman Gill had to manage him with short spells," Mohammad Kaif said.
'NEW ZEALAND WILL BE HAPPY NOT TO SEE SHAMI'
Shami has enjoyed success in New Zealand, claiming 15 wickets across four Tests and 27 in 12 ODIs at an average of 22.44. In 16 ODIs against the Blackcaps, Shami has 38 wickets at an average of 21.15.
Kaif said that New Zealand will be happy with the fact that Shami isn't part of the touring squad.
"Go and ask the New Zealand batters about who they would not want to face. The first bowler that they will name is Mohammed Shami. He won the match single-handedly for us in Dharamshala against them in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and you can add the semi-final at the Wankhede as well."
"I am telling you this, if you tell New Zealand batters that Mohammed Shami is not coming, they will be breathing a sigh of relief as we speak," said Kaif.
Shami is currently part of the Bengal Ranji Trophy squad but skipped their match against Services.