Shami finished the World Cup 2023 as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps to his name.
Shami was included in the playing XI after India were forced to alter their playing combination due to Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury.
As it turned out, the right-arm quick grabbed the opportunity with both hands, taking 24 wickets from seven matches at an astonishing average of 10.70 with three five-wicket hauls.
After finishing the showpiece tournament as the highest wicket-taker, Shami recalled the two years he had given trials for the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team and how his brother played a big role in it.
“I had gone to give trials for the UP Ranji Trophy team for 2 years, but whenever the final round came, they used to kick me out. When I was not selected after the trials in the first year, I thought it doesn’t matter. Will come again next time, but next year the same thing happened again,” Shami said in a recent interview with PUMA.
The 33-year-old then opened up about his brother’s meeting with the UP chief selector.
“My brother used to watch all this happening and used to stay with him. He was very sharp in this matter. When I went again the next year, the same thing happened, 1600 boys were there and the trials were going to last for 3 days. Brother said, I am not able to understand anything. A fair is going on here. Brother talked to the selection head. Brother got such an answer from him which he had never imagined in his life,” Shami stated.
“The selector told brother that if you can move my chair, then the boy will be selected. It’s very good. Otherwise, sorry,” he added.
The words of chief selector prompted his brother to tear up the form and that was the end of Shami’s association with UP cricket.
Shami then went on to give his trials in Tripura, where he didn’t get a positive result as well. He also recounted the time his coach sent him to Kolkata for a trial at a cricket club.
“I was not selected even in Tripura. After this the coach sent me to Kolkata where there was a club trial, but there was less space there and I had difficulty in getting run-up. When I asked about this, I was told that runup would have to be taken in this limited space. After bowling 8-10 balls, I was stopped, then told that further information would be given regarding the selection,” he revealed.
“I had only Rs 1000 left and had left with Rs 2500. Money was spent on food and accommodation, but even after 2 days I was not informed. The club captain told me that your selection is almost certain, but the manager and CEO will tell you further. On the third day I was told that you have been selected, but you will not get the money. Only accommodation and food will be given,” he further remarked.
“I took 45 wickets in 9 matches while playing for this club. After this the manager gave me 25 thousand rupees and a train ticket. I was not sure about this at all. I went home and gave 25 thousand rupees to my mother, but father returned this money to me. Papa said, ‘this is your earning, you should use it’. I bought shoes and accessories with this money,” Shami concluded.