The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively working to de-escalate the public disagreement between veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The controversy arose after Agarkar stated that Shami was not fit for international cricket, resulting in his exclusion from the national squad since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Shami refuted these claims, asserting his fitness and stating he had not received any official communication from the selectors.
Shami emphasized that it wasn't his responsibility to update selectors on his fitness, saying, "About giving an update, it's not my responsibility to give an update or ask for an update. My job is to go to the NCA, prepare, and play matches". He also pointed out his participation in domestic cricket tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy for Bengal, questioning how he could be playing if he wasn't fit.
Agarkar clarified that he had spoken with Shami and that the medical team advised against his immediate return to international cricket. He added that "Team India would've loved to have him in Australia and England before, but that couldn't happen". Shami responded to this by stating, "Let him say whatever he wants," after taking seven wickets against Uttarakhand.
Amidst the rising tensions, the BCCI dispatched Rudra Pratap Singh (RP Singh), the newly appointed selector from the Central Zone, to Kolkata to mediate between Shami and Agarkar. RP Singh met with Shami on the sidelines of Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat at Eden Gardens. Both players share roots in Uttar Pradesh, a factor the board hopes will help ease the situation.
Following Bengal's victory over Gujarat, where Shami claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, Shami addressed the controversy. He jokingly remarked that he always ends up being in controversies and that if he speaks, he will get in trouble. "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," Shami told reporters in Kolkata.
Shami's recent performance in the Ranji Trophy has strengthened his case for selection, potentially silencing doubts about his fitness. His wickets have sent a clear message to the selectors. After his recent performance, Shami stated, "My job is to perform well. Wherever I get an opportunity, I'll give my best. The rest is up to God. Bengal is my home. Every match I play for Bengal is like a memory for me". He further added, regarding the pitch, “As far as the pitch is concerned, we had asked for a green wicket. Our pace attack is one of the best in the country, so it's only fair if we get a good surface to bowl on".
The BCCI's intervention highlights their intent to prevent the disagreement from escalating, especially with upcoming international fixtures on the horizon. The board is trying to pacify Shami, who is reportedly upset about not being selected for Team India.
