The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on December 23 announced that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will not be travelling to Australia for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Shami has completely recovered from his heel problem after undergoing surgery. However, his left knee has minor swelling due to his bowling workload in domestic cricket since his comeback. Less than 24 hours after BCCI announced the news, Shami took to his social media account and shared a video with his pet parrot.
Here's Champions Trophy 2025 full schedule, Dubai to host four matches
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven," he wrote on his Instagram alongside a video.
Shami's workload after return
Shami bowled 43 overs in his comeback game for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash against Madhya Pradesh last month. He took nine wickets and helped Bengal win their first game of the season. After the red-ball return, he played nine matches in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) taking 11 wickets. With the bat, he registered his T20 career best as well. He did not play in Bengal's Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 opener.
"Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee," the BCCI said in a statement.
Shami doubtful for ODI series against England too
This puts Shami's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in doubt as well. India's Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma has also said that he wants Shami to recover fully before his return to international cricket. The men's selection committee is yet to select India's squad for the T20I and ODI series at home against England which will begin in the second half of January. The ODIs will be played in February, just before the Champions Trophy 2025 which will be played in hybrid model.