Mohammed Shami Meets CM Yogi Adityanath Amid Retirement Rumours, Breaks Silence on Media Speculation

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami met UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow amid growing speculation about his retirement and fitness for India’s England tour. Get the full details here.

Lucknow, May 19 (ANI): Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow on Monday. The meeting comes at a time when Shami has been making headlines—not just for his on-field form but also for strong reactions to recent media reports suggesting his possible retirement from international cricket.

Candid Interaction with CM Yogi Adityanath

While the exact agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, sources close to the development suggest that the two discussed matters related to sports development in Uttar Pradesh, Shami’s cricketing journey, and his future plans. The seasoned pacer, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has been a proud ambassador of the state’s cricketing talent at the national and international levels.

Shami Slams Retirement Rumours with Fiery Instagram Post

Recently, Shami took to Instagram to slam a media report that questioned his fitness and speculated about his potential retirement. Sharing a screenshot of the article, Shami wrote a searing message:

“Very well done. Also, start counting the days left to say ‘adieu’ to your job, then see ours later. People like you have ruined our future. Try saying nice things sometimes, too. Today’s worst story, sorry.”

This emotional outburst came after reports claimed his availability for India’s upcoming tour of England, beginning June 20, depends on his ability to bowl sustained spells. Some sources even went as far as hinting at his possible exit from the red-ball format—similar to recent retirements by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Shami’s Struggles in IPL 2025 & Road to Comeback

Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025, Shami has endured a rough patch, claiming just 6 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 56.16. His underwhelming performance led to him being dropped from the playing XI. The decline has been attributed to a long-standing injury that sidelined him post the ODI World Cup 2023, where he played a pivotal role for India.

Despite the setback, Shami made a solid comeback in domestic cricket. Featuring for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, he picked up 7 wickets against Madhya Pradesh, showcasing his enduring class and experience.

England Tour & Retirement Speculation

India’s tour of England is just a month away, and Shami’s inclusion will largely depend on his fitness and form. Though the team has undergone a major transition—with the retirement of legends like Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin—Shami’s experience could prove invaluable.

Having already featured in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 title-winning campaign, the 34-year-old remains a vital asset in the pace department. So far, Shami has donned the whites in 64 Test matches, grabbing 229 wickets at an impressive average of 27.1, including six five-wicket hauls.

What Lies Ahead for Mohammed Shami?

With India’s bench strength brimming with young fast bowlers, questions around the longevity of senior pacers like Shami are natural. However, his strong rebuttal to the media and his continued effort to regain form suggest that the pacer isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.

The meeting with CM Yogi Adityanath also signifies a broader horizon for Shami—possibly indicating a transition to mentorship, cricket development roles, or involvement in promoting sports at the grassroots level in Uttar Pradesh.

Mohammed Shami’s meeting with Yogi Adityanath amid speculation about his retirement is both symbolic and significant. While questions about his future linger, one thing is clear: the veteran seamer is not going down without a fight. As India prepares for the England tour, all eyes will be on Shami—whether he makes the squad or not, his passion for the game remains unquestionable.