Summary of this article
Veteran Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami announced retirement from test cricket after 13 years.
He will continue playing white-ball, IPL, and other formats.
The pacer ended his test career on his Test cap anniversary.
Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket. With this announcement, he ended his 13-year red-ball career with 229 wickets in 64 matches. The 36-year-old pacer announced his decision via an Instagram video post, recorded at his farmhouse in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh. The date of his retirement, November 6, is special for him as he noted in his announcement that this date marked the 13th anniversary of receiving his Test cap in 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.
In his post, the bowler said while reflecting on his journey, “I am leaving the white jersey, but never the memories connected to it. Test cricket is not just a format for me, it is a very special part of my life. Today I am deciding to retire from Test cricket with a heavy heart and unlimited beautiful memories.
He started his journey from his village and went through many ups and downs. He added that every struggle, injury, and comeback taught him valuable lessons, and he worked hard to be in the Indian team.
His Test Journey
Over his Test career, Shami established himself as one of India’s most effective pace bowlers. The player is known for generating seam and swing with both new and old ball, and took 229 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls, creating an average of 27.71. As reported by PTI, Shami ranks as India’s sixth most successful fast bowler in Test Cricket, trailing Kapil Dev, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Javagal Srinath, and Jasprit Bumrah. Shami proved his worth on foreign soil as well by taking 131 wickets in 35 Tests across South Africa, the West Indies, and India at an average under 25. His innings in Johannesburg in 2018 is a memorable one where he claimed five for 28.
Following his decision to retire, many former cricketers paid tribute. Former South African pacer Morne Morkel praised Shami for his contribution to Test cricket; he worked with Shami briefly during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which was Shami’s final appearance in the India jersey. He felt sad seeing Shami leave but glad that he continues to bowl in domestic cricket.
Retirement Plans
Although he has announced his retirement from Test cricket, he remains open to playing white-ball formats. Usually, sportspersons do not retire from all formats of the game on a single date. A phased retirement is prudent planning, both professionally and financially. Financial experts suggest that one should plan not only for retirement finances but also for how to spend time after retiring.
In Shami's case, although ending his Test career after playing his last Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, he confirmed that he will continue playing in white-ball formats, and thus, his other post-retirement plans are not known. He remains active for Bengal in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), and is also open to playing four-day matches. He recently took 14 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal. He was also named in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad from November 14.
In his post, Shami thanks BCCI, Cricket Association of Bengal, coaches, trainers, and fans for their support.
