Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed disappointment at the exclusion of pacer Mohammad Shami from the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand. After being a member of India's Champions Trophy-winning team in 2025, the seasoned right-arm quick has been sidelined ever since.

Shami was left out of the Test series against South Africa, England, and the West Indies because he had previously been recuperating from an injury. He was later left out of the ODIs against Australia and the Black Caps.

After being at odds with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar over fitness concerns, Shami boosted his chances for an India return with a stellar performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, BCCI's premier 50-over domestic tournament.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed Mohammad Shami to make a comeback and also questioned the BCCI selectors: what more improvement were they seeking from the pacer?

"The biggest talking point is Mohammed Shami. What is his future? He's not someone who came yesterday, played a few matches, and left. He has taken 450-500 international wickets, which is a huge number. If you have taken more than 400 wickets and then you get dropped, and questions are raised about your fitness, that happens with everyone. As long as you play cricket, you have to keep proving yourself," said Irfan Pathan on his YouTube channel.

"But Shami has already bowled 200 overs. After bowling 200 overs, if fitness is the question, then fitness has already been shown. What more improvement is needed? Only the selection committee knows what they are thinking,” he added.

Speaking further on the issue, Irfan Pathan spoke a hard truth, saying that Mohammad Shami should perform so well in the upcoming IPL 2026 that his bowling cannot be ignored by the BCCI selectors, who prefer IPL performances over domestic cricket.

“If I were him, I would go and play the IPL and create havoc. I would take the new ball and perform at such a level. Domestic cricket performances are discussed, but when the IPL comes, and you show your old rhythm and fitness, then no one can ignore you. The whole world watches the IPL. If you perform there, you make your place in the squad again. I believe his doors should not be closed," he added.

Mohammad Shami’s last ODI for India came in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and his last Test for India was the final of the World Test Championship (WTC 2023) against Australia. His last outing in T20Is for India was in February last year against England.