The ageing like fine wine metaphor sits perfectly on Mohammed Shami. The 33-year-old has mesmerised the cricket fraternity with his exemplary performances across formats in 2023 and he has shown no signs of slowing down.
Shami finished as the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. Earlier this year, he won the purple cap in the Indian Premier League and helped Gujarat Titans reach the finals for the second season in a row. Shami’s stocks have risen by leaps and bounds on the back of such exhilarating performances. The CEO of the Titans, Colonel Arvinder Singh revealed that a team had recently asked the ace pacer for a potential switch in the IPL trading window. However, Singh wasn’t pleased with the way the particular team tried to initiate the trade as he stated that directly approaching a player is against the rules set by the IPL governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“See, every team has the right to take good players to make their team stronger. Mohammed Shami has done well for us, won the purple cap holder last season, he performed well in the World Cup. He is a very important part of our team. The wrong thing is when some franchises directly approach players. The BCCI has made a procedure for trading. There is an expression of interest that goes to BCCI and it is subsequently shared to the concerned franchise, who can then they take a call whether to go on with the trade or not,” Singh said in a News 18 interview.
Mohammed Shami’s ankle injury is a concern for India
India is all set to embark on a month-long tour of South Africa. The ‘Men in Blue’ will be playing all three formats against the Proteas during their time in the Rainbow Nation. The in-form Shami has been rested for the white-ball of the tour but he has been named in the squad for the two-match Test series. However, his participation will depend on how he recovers from an ankle injury for which he is currently undergoing medical treatment.
“Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness,” the BCCI said when they announced the squad on November 30.
According to reports, Shami was dealing with ankle pain even during the World Cup. He was experiencing discomfort especially while landing. Indian fans will be hoping that the veteran speedster recovers in time for what is going to be a very challenging Test series for Rohit Sharma and Co. The first Test is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion.