BGT 2024-25: Mohammed Shami yet to get NCA clearance, not to join India squad soon - Reports

Mohammed Shami returned to competitive cricket last month.

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will not be joining India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the moment.

Having recently returned to competitive cricket in the domestic circuit, Shami has been impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The Indian speedster has taken eight wickets in seven games for Bengal.

Despite Shami’s impressive performances, his fitness remains a concern for the selectors. A new report has surfaced about Shami’s fitness suggesting that his comeback to the Indian team will take more time.

Mohammed Shami yet to get NCA clearance – Reports

According to a recent report in Cricbuzz, Mohammed Shami has not yet received the fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), making it unlikely for him to join the Indian team in Australia before the third test in Brisbane.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence is still evaluating his fitness before giving him a final clearance.

In November, a team from the NCA, including national selector SS Das, Sports Science head Nitin Patel, and Strength and Conditioning trainer Nishanta Bordule, monitored Shami’s progress during the SMAT in Rajkot. While his bowling rhythm is not a concern, there are doubts about his endurance for test cricket.

According to reports, Shami is unlikely to fly to Australia anytime soon. Optimistically he could be available for the Melbourne or Sydney tests, but there is a high chance that he may not be sent to Australia at all.

Indian fast bowlers have performed well in Australia so far. Bumrah has been the star of the show for the visitors. If Shami is unable to travel to Australia, India will rely on Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep to step up and play crucial roles as the series progresses.

Shami missed the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to an ankle injury. Recently, the fast bowler was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 10 crores for the IPL 2025 season.

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