BCCI awaiting clearance from NCA for Mohammed Shami to send him to Australia: Reports

Indian cricket star Mohammed Shami’s reported departure to Australia is still up in the air. According to reports carried by Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are awaiting clearance from National Cricket Academy. The move comes after Jasprit Bumrah gave the visiting side a huge injury on the 2nd day of the Adelaide Test. 

It has been reported by Indian Express that BCCI is ready with the kit for the 34-year-old and even the visa is in place. All that remains is a go ahead from NCA after conducting a fitness study on Shami before taking any call. The 34-year-old has been in good form for Bengal during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. 

One BCCI official while speaking to the newspaper said, “The selection committee is waiting for the NCA’s fitness clearance report on Shami. He travelled to Bengaluru to give a fitness test. He played the Ranji Trophy as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, where he looked good. His kit is also ready. We are just waiting for the approval from the NCA.”

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri during his commentary stint with Star Sports was heard saying, “The quicker he (Shami) reaches here, the better”. Harshit Rana proved costly with the ball as Travis Head went after the 22-year-old pacer enroute his century on Saturday. If Shami does make it to Australia he will be in line to make his return during the MCG Test. The third Test in Brisbane starts on 14th December making it impossible for Shami to make it to the playing XI. 

Shami’s return welcome relief for India?

In Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, team India has just 2 pacers with good amount of experience. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are on their first tour of Australia with Rana in particular going for plenty of runs in Adelaide. If Shami does make it to Australia, Indian team management will be more than happy to have some good backup. 

The 34-year-old last played for India during the finals of the ODI World Cup 2023. His last Test appearance was during the WTC Finals in 2023 against Australia at the Oval. It has been a long time since Shami has played cricket for India. It was expected that Shami will be back for the home series but that failed to materialize. 

In the 7 matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, Shami has played he has picked 8 wickets. In the last game for Bengal against Rajasthan the right-arm seamer picked 3/26 to help his side win the game.