Mohammed Shami squashes retirement questions ahead of 2025 Asia Cup

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami has given a stern response to retirement questions ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. Shami was not picked for the Asia Cup despite being fit but he would take part in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

The fast bowler last played for India in the Champions Trophy and also played a key role in India’s successful run in the tournament. Shami picked nine wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 25.89.

The Bengal fast bowler had made a return to the side after last playing in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.

Shami said he would keep working hard on his bowling and he would retire once he gets bored.

“If someone has a problem, tell me, if it is like their lives become better if I take retirement. Tell me whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire? The day I get bored, I will leave. You don’t pick me, but I will keep working hard. You don’t pick me in international, I will play domestic. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. You have to make these decisions when you start feeling bored. That is not the time for me now,” Shami said on News24.

Shami said his only dream is to win the ODI World Cup with the team. The fast bowler has an impressive ODI record as he has scalped 206 wickets in 108 ODI matches at an average of 24.05.

“I only have one dream left, that is to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be a part of that team and perform that wins the ODI World Cup and brings it home. We were very close in 2023. We had a gut feeling, but we also had a fear that we were winning non-stop, and it was the knockout stage. There was some fear. But the enthusiasm and belief of the fans motivated us. This was a dream that could have been fulfilled, but maybe it was not in my luck,” he revealed.

Shami was left out of the England tour due to injury and revealed he is working hard on getting his rhythm.

“Touchwood it is better now. The last two months I have trained, increased my skills, shed weight and increased the load as well. Let’s see the result that I get now. My focus in on getting rhythm and to be able to bowl long spells. I have practiced on batting and fielding as well and done a lot of gym. Everything is comfortable now,” he said. 

Shami will play for the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.