The exclusion of Mohammed Shami from the Indian cricket team has sparked controversy, with his coach, Mohammed Badruddin, leveling stern accusations against Ajit Agarkar and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Badruddin alleges that the reasons cited for Shami's continued omission are mere "excuses," and that selectors have already made up their minds about the pacer.

Shami, a veteran fast bowler, last played for India in the Champions Trophy and last played a Test match in 2023. Despite proving his fitness and form by taking 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal, he was not selected for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. This decision has led to widespread criticism and fueled the perception that Shami is being deliberately ignored.

Agarkar had previously stated that Shami's fitness was a concern, pointing to his inability to participate in the England tour. He also mentioned that Shami's availability for the Ranji Trophy would be monitored, and if fit, he would be a valuable asset. However, Shami publicly refuted these claims, stating that his participation in the Ranji Trophy proved his fitness and that it wasn't his responsibility to update the selection committee.

Badruddin has strongly criticized the selectors for citing fitness as an excuse, asserting that the BCCI is deliberately ignoring Shami. He argued that Shami had expected a comeback in the Test series against South Africa after his strong performance in the Ranji Trophy. Badruddin also warned Agarkar that Shami would soon return with a performance that would silence every critic. He said that if the selectors aren't picking Shami now despite his form, then they should stop saying things like "we select based on performance," because that's clearly not true.

According to reports, the BCCI is trying to placate Mohammed Shami after his outburst against chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The newly appointed Central Zone selector, RP Singh, has been sent to Kolkata, where Shami is currently playing Ranji.

Responding to the criticism, Agarkar stated that if Shami was fit, he would be in the team. He mentioned having multiple chats with Shami over the last few months. Agarkar also said that the medical team doesn't believe Shami is fit for international cricket at this time.

Shami's coach alleged that players are being picked based on their performances in T20 cricket. He said that the selection in the Test squad should be based on the Ranji Trophy performances. He added that the selectors' decisions are pre-decided, so all this talk about performance or fitness is just an excuse.