Overview

• India did not include Mohammed Shami in its Asia Cup 2025 squad as the tournament opens on September 9 with India–Pakistan scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.
• Shami told News24 that players will follow whatever the government and the cricket board decide, saying cricket is not played only on emotions.
• He downplayed the rivalry from a player’s perspective, noting that fan passion creates a different environment but performance remains the focus.
• Addressing online abuse, he said he ignores trolls, called for respectful criticism, and noted that Muslim cricketers have been targeted on social media.
• Shami has returned to domestic red-ball cricket with East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, rejected retirement rumours, and set his sights on forcing a national comeback, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.