Kaif demands BCCI transparency over Shami’s continued exclusion from New Zealand squad

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has publicly called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide transparency regarding why veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has been omitted from all three squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Shami was left out of the T20I squad on October 6, 2026, as well as both the ODI and Test squads announced on October 16, 2026.

The highly anticipated New Zealand tour features five T20Is starting October 22, five ODIs commencing on November 4, and two Tests beginning November 19, 2026. Despite the extensive schedule, no official explanation has been provided by the BCCI for Shami’s continued exclusion across all formats. Kaif questioned the rationale behind the selectors’ decision, drawing a direct comparison to the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah.

“I believe there should be transparency. Come forward and tell us what the reason is. He is doing everything right. He is playing Ranji, he is taking wickets, what could possibly be the reason? I read somewhere that he is not being selected because he is bowling only short spells. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls short spells, he gets a break after that. In England, when his workload was being managed, Shubman Gill had to manage him with short spells,” Kaif said, speaking to Cricbuzz.

Why has Shami been left out despite strong domestic form?

Shami’s exclusion has sparked significant debate, particularly given his outstanding performances in domestic cricket. During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the Bengal pacer claimed 37 wickets in just seven matches at an impressive average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. He further underlined his form by taking five wickets in the first innings of the Ranji season opener against Services in October 2026.

Despite these compelling statistics, concerns regarding Shami’s fitness and match readiness have persisted within the selection committee. In September and October 2025, then chief selector Ajit Agarkar raised questions about his fitness levels. Furthermore, in May 2026, Agarkar announced that selectors had not discussed a potential Test comeback for Shami, noting that available information suggested his physical condition was better suited to T20 cricket.

Shami last represented India at the 2025 Champions Trophy final in March 2025, with his most recent Test appearance dating back to the World Test Championship final in June 2023. Addressing his ongoing omission directly on October 10, 2026, Shami stated: “If I don’t get the chance to play for India again, it’s not my loss”.

What does Shami’s record against New Zealand suggest?

Kaif also highlighted Shami’s exceptional career record against New Zealand, arguing that his absence represents a major blow for the Indian side. Shami has taken 15 wickets across four Tests and 27 wickets in 12 ODIs against the Blackcaps, maintaining an average of 22.44. In ODIs specifically, he has claimed 38 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 21.15. Kaif emphasized Shami’s pivotal role in the 2023 ODI World Cup as further proof of his value against New Zealand.

“Go and ask the New Zealand batters about who they would not want to face. The first bowler that they will name is Mohammed Shami. He won the match single-handedly for us in Dharamshala against them in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and you can add the semi-final at the Wankhede as well. I am telling you this, if you tell New Zealand batters that Mohammed Shami is not coming, they will be breathing a sigh of relief as we speak,” Kaif said.

Meanwhile, the selection committee’s decision to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar, aged 36, to the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour after a gap of nearly four years has drawn further scrutiny in light of Shami’s continued exclusion.

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