Other1 min read

‘Thank you, Test Cricket’: Shami retires from longest format of the game

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The 36-year-old pacer made his formal announcement on Instagram on a Friday night, precisely 13 years after his debut match in Kolkata against the West Indies on November 6, 2013. Across his 64 appearances for the national side, he collected 229 dismissals, highlighted by six five-wicket hauls. In his departure message, he thanked the BCCI, the Cricket Association of Bengal, teammates, coaches, and supporters for backing his journey.

Key points

  • The veteran pacer concluded a 13-year red-ball career exactly on the anniversary of his K…: The veteran pacer concluded a 13-year red-ball career exactly on the anniversary of his Kolkata debut.
  • Shami formally expressed gratitude to both the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal…: Shami formally expressed gratitude to both the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal for their early backing.
  • Following his final Test outing, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker during the 2023 O…: Following his final Test outing, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker during the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 dismissals.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket, closing a 13-year career in the longest format with an emotional message on Instagram on Friday night.

The announcement came exactly 13 years after his Test debut. Shami first played for India in the format on 6 November 2013, against West Indies in Kolkata.

“I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it,” Shami wrote.

Recalling his first Test cap, he added: “When I wore India’s Test jersey for the first time, I had only one dream — to do something for my country. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback has taught me something.”

He described the format as far more than a place to play.

“Test cricket has not just been a format for me, it has been a deeply special part of my life,” Shami further noted. “Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am announcing my retirement from Test cricket.”

The 36-year-old thanked the people around him, from “every teammate, coach,…

Other