Overview
- The BCCI announced Test and ODI squads on Tuesday, May 19, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said there was no discussion about Mohammed Shami because medical information indicated his body is currently allowing him to bowl only in T20 cricket.
- Shami has pushed for a comeback with a strong 2025–26 domestic season for Bengal and ongoing IPL 2026 appearances, including about 37 Ranji wickets in seven matches and 10 wickets in 12 IPL games.
- Former India batter Wasim Jaffer and other commentators sharply criticized Agarkar’s explanation as disrespectful and called for clearer communication to Shami and the public, while Shami has publicly rejected suggestions that he is unfit.
- The selection for the Afghanistan series favors younger players and managed workloads, with senior figures such as Ravindra Jadeja rested and newcomers like Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar included in the Test squad.
- The episode is likely to intensify scrutiny of the BCCI’s medical and selection processes, with possible consequences for how the board balances veteran comebacks, injury management, and transparency in future picks.