Mohammed Shami is set to reach a significant milestone in his domestic cricket career when he takes the field for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The veteran India fast bowler will make his 100th first-class appearance, marking another important chapter in a career built on longevity, competitiveness and an enduring desire to remain at the highest level.
Ahead of the landmark match, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) felicitated Shami in Chennai. CAB treasurer Sanjay Das presented the 36-year-old with a special No. 100 Bengal jersey signed by former India captain and CAB president Sourav Ganguly. Shami was also presented with a cricket ball bearing Ganguly’s signature and a silver plaque commemorating the achievement. The fast bowler further marked the occasion by cutting a cake.
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The recognition comes at an important stage of Shami’s career. While he is currently outside India’s plans, his continued involvement in domestic cricket has kept the possibility of a return alive. His performances and fitness remain central to that ambition, with the Duleep Trophy providing another opportunity to demonstrate his readiness.
Shami also received a jersey signed by his East Zone teammates. Captain Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Mukesh Kumar were pictured alongside the veteran pacer during the celebrations, underlining the significance of his experience within the team.
CAB also shared a motivational message from Ganguly for the East Zone squad ahead of the final. The message urged the players to approach the contest with an aggressive mindset and emphasised that a final should be played with the intention of winning rather than merely participating.
For Shami, however, the occasion carries significance beyond the milestone itself. Ishan Kishan highlighted the fast bowler’s motivation and suggested that age has not diminished his ambition. According to the East Zone captain, Shami continues to train with intensity and has brought considerable energy and confidence to the team.
Kishan also pointed to Shami’s determination to make another India comeback. The fast bowler has not regularly featured for the national side since the 2023 World Cup period, making his commitment to domestic cricket particularly noteworthy.
The East Zone captain said Shami continues to contribute beyond his bowling, offering tactical suggestions and helping him navigate different match situations. His experience, therefore, has become an important asset for a relatively younger group of players.
As Shami prepares for his 100th first-class game, the milestone represents more than a numerical achievement. It reflects a sustained domestic career and a veteran cricketer’s continued hunger to compete. With the Duleep Trophy final providing the immediate challenge, Shami will have another opportunity to underline his value while pursuing the larger objective of returning to India’s plans.
