Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, closing a red-ball career of 64 Tests and 229 wickets. The date was deliberate: he made his Test debut on the same day, 6 November 2013, against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In an emotional video message, Shami said he was stepping away from the longest format with a heavy heart, while confirming he will continue in white-ball cricket.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohammed Shami Ahmed |
| Date of Birth | 3 September 1990 |
| Age | 36 years (as of November 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) — some outlets list 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Birthplace | Sahaspur village, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Cricketer — right-arm fast bowler |
| Known For | Leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup; Test retirement in November 2026 |
| Net Worth 2026 | Approximately ₹55–65 crore (around $7–8 million, estimated — not officially disclosed) |
Early Life
Mohammed Shami was born on 3 September 1990 in Sahaspur, a small village in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. He was one of five children of Tauseef Ali, a farmer and former fast bowler, and his mother Anjum Ara. His father spotted his talent early and, when Shami was 15, took him to Badruddin Siddique, a cricket coach in Moradabad, about 22 kilometres from their village.
His early career was not smooth. Shami has spoken in interviews about being overlooked at Uttar Pradesh selection trials as a youngster, in an episode where a selector reportedly told his brother that selection depended on influence rather than ability. His brother tore up the form, ending any UP ambitions. On his coach’s advice, he moved to Kolkata as a teenager and trained at the Arun Lal academy. He made his first-class debut for Bengal against Assam in the 2010–11 season.
Career
Shami’s international career began with an ODI debut against Pakistan on 6 January 2013. On 6 November 2013, he made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, taking nine wickets in the match. He finished with 229 wickets from 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6 for 56 — the sixth-most Test wickets by an Indian fast bowler, as reported by Deccan Herald.
His finest hours came in white-ball cricket. At the 2015 World Cup he took 17 wickets despite playing through a knee injury, and at the 2019 World Cup he claimed a hat-trick against Afghanistan. His greatest tournament was the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. Drafted in only after Hardik Pandya’s injury, Shami took 24 wickets in seven matches to finish as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, including 7 for 57 in the semi-final against New Zealand — the best figures by an Indian in ODIs. He became the fastest bowler to 50 wickets in World Cup history and ended his World Cup career with 55 wickets, equalling Wasim Akram’s tally. During the 2025 Champions Trophy he became the joint second-fastest bowler to 200 ODI wickets, taking 5 for 53 against Bangladesh as India won the title. His last ODI came in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on 9 March 2025.
In the IPL, Shami has played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, winning the Purple Cap with 28 wickets for Gujarat Titans in 2023. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹10 crore ahead of IPL 2025; reports say he was traded to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of 2026. In his retirement message, Shami thanked the BCCI, the Cricket Association of Bengal and his teammates, noting he had received his Test cap — number 279, presented by Ishant Sharma — on 6 November, and chose the same date to end the journey. Young pacers such as Harshit Rana are now competing for the Test places Shami once held. The current Indian Test side, led by captain Shubman Gill, now moves on without the bowler who carried its attack through much of the last decade.
Personal Life
Shami married Hasin Jahan, a former model and IPL cheerleader, on 6 June 2014. The couple have a daughter, Aaira Shami. They have lived separately since 2018 after a public breakdown in the marriage, and their dispute has played out in the courts ever since. In June 2025, the Calcutta High Court directed Shami to pay ₹4 lakh per month in maintenance to his estranged wife, according to reports. Outlets differ on the legal status of the marriage — some report a divorce, others a continuing separation.
Away from cricket, Shami stays close to his roots, recalling in interviews how he drove tractors, buses and trucks around his village as a boy. Teammates including wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant have praised his fighting spirit, and fans admire him as much for his work ethic and comebacks from injury as for his bowling.
Mohammed Shami Net Worth 2026
Mohammed Shami’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately ₹55–65 crore, or around $7–8 million, according to several Indian sports and finance outlets. The figure has not been officially disclosed, and published estimates vary — some reports put it as low as ₹47 crore and others as high as ₹70 crore — so it should be read as an informed estimate rather than a confirmed number. His income comes from a BCCI Grade A contract (reported ₹5 crore a year), an IPL contract worth ₹10 crore, match fees and endorsements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Mohammed Shami?
Born on 3 September 1990 in Sahaspur village, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Shami is 36 years old as of November 2026.
What is Mohammed Shami’s height?
Mohammed Shami is most commonly listed at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm); some outlets list 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
Why did Mohammed Shami retire from Test cricket?
Shami announced his Test retirement on 6 November 2026, exactly 13 years after his Test debut. He had not played a Test since the 2023 World Test Championship final. In his announcement he said Test cricket had shaped his identity as a cricketer and confirmed he would continue playing white-ball cricket.
Who is Mohammed Shami’s wife?
Mohammed Shami married Hasin Jahan on 6 June 2014. Hasin Jahan is a former model and IPL cheerleader; the couple have a daughter, Aaira. They have lived separately since 2018, and in June 2025 the Calcutta High Court ordered Shami to pay ₹4 lakh per month in maintenance.
What is Mohammed Shami’s net worth in 2026?
Mohammed Shami’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately ₹55–65 crore (around $7–8 million). The number is an estimate and has not been officially disclosed; his main income sources are his BCCI contract, his ₹10 crore IPL contract and endorsements.
Which IPL team does Mohammed Shami play for in 2026?
Shami played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 after being bought for ₹10 crore. Reports ahead of the 2026 season said he was traded to Lucknow Super Giants, retaining the same ₹10 crore price. He had earlier played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, winning the Purple Cap with Gujarat Titans in 2023.
