Zaheer Khan, a former Indian cricket player, stated that if Mohammad Shami continues to play on the domestic circuit, he will be available for the ODI World Cup in 2027, even though he is unsure about the team management's opinion of the player.

Shami hasn't played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy. Shami has performed well for Bengal in domestic cricket, but the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has continued to ignore him.

Last year, Shami and Agarkar were involved in a public war of words after he was overlooked for West Indies Tests. Agarkar stated his fitness as an excuse for his exclusion, but Shami returned to action for Bengal and made a statement that it wasn’t his responsibility to provide the selectors with a fitness clearance.

“He has to continue doing what is in his hands. It is up to him to decide how he wants to go ahead. If he is playing, it means he is available for the 2027 ODI World Cup. That is how I see it, but I am not sure how the team management is looking at him. He has to just look at how he can contribute and do what is within his control," Zaheer said while speaking to Vimal Kumar.

Notably, Shami was India’s highest wicket-taker in their run to the final of the ICC World Cup in 2023. In domestic cricket, Shami claimed 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy games last season and followed it up with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

“He still has cricket left. He is ready, and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve. It isn’t easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there," Zaheer said.