Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Mohammed Shami is set to receive a special honour from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Saturday as he closes in on the landmark of 100 first-class appearances. The veteran India fast bowler, currently on 99 first-class games, will be felicitated a day before the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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Shami has played an important part in East Zone’s run to the final, claiming five wickets across the two innings of their semifinal against defending champions Central Zone. The 35-year-old has collected 382 wickets in first-class cricket so far, with his best innings figures standing at 8 for 90 during an illustrious domestic career.
CAB will mark the occasion with a special presentation for Shami. He will receive a cricket ball signed by CAB president Sourav Ganguly, a personalised jersey featuring the number 100 and a silver salver. CAB treasurer Sanjoy Das will conduct the felicitation.
“Shami is pride of Bengal cricket and an absolute legend. This is a small gesture on behalf of state association on completion of an important milestone,” Das told PTI.
Despite continuing to make an impact in domestic cricket, Shami remains outside India’s current international setup. His most recent appearance for the national team came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
The fast bowler was also not included in India’s immediate plans for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Shami has nevertheless remained active on the domestic circuit, using first-class cricket to maintain his match fitness as he continues his efforts to regain full fitness and put himself in contention for another India comeback.
“He still has cricket left. He is ready, and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve,” Shami’s coach, Mohammed Badruddin, told India Today.
The Duleep Trophy final could be a chance for Shami to stake his claim for a return to the Indian side.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
