IPL 2026: Veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has ruled out immediate retirement from international cricket, saying he will only step away from the game when he feels “tired” or “bored.” The 35-year-old last represented India during their successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign in 2025 and has not featured for the national side since, despite being fully fit and delivering strong performances in domestic cricket for Bengal.
Speaking candidly on The Shubhankar Mishra Show, Shami dismissed any talk of immediate retirement. “When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking about retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down,” he said.
Shami explained that his benchmark for retirement is simple — a loss of motivation. “If this thought crosses your mind, it means you're already tired. And if you're tired, it means you're bored. I’ve said this earlier too — I will leave cricket the day I wake up and feel bored.”
“So yes, the day I feel lazy or bored, I will quit. But I am neither bored nor lazy. I am enjoying the game. The results are good and positive,” he added, underlining his continued hunger for the sport.
Despite being overlooked by selectors led by Ajit Agarkar, Shami said he remains focused on performance rather than selection decisions.
The experienced pacer is set to represent Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after moving from Sunrisers Hyderabad and is determined to justify the franchise’s trust.
“As a bowler, I will give my 100 percent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet expectations. The rest, I can’t change my luck,” he said.
“If Lucknow has trusted me, I will give my all. The main element is satisfaction — whether I get returns for the preparation I’ve put in.”
Shami remains one of India’s most accomplished fast bowlers across formats. He has taken 229 wickets in Tests, 209 in One-Day Internationals and 27 in T20 Internationals.
He was the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls. His best figures of 7 for 57 came during that tournament, where India finished as runners-up.
