'They used to kick me out': Mohammed Shami recalls selection trials for Uttar Pradesh Ranji team

India pacer Mohammed Shami recently had a Cricket World Cup to remember, scalping 24 wickets to end up as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.

However, life has not been easy for Shami. From his early selection struggles in Uttar Pradesh to losing his father in 2017, Shami has gone through several hardships in his journey to becoming one of the best pacers India have produced.

Mohammed Shami was born in Sahaspur, UP but switched allegiance to Kolkata after failing to get selected in UP’s Ranji team.

In a recent interview with PUMA, Shami went onto recall the two years he had given trials for the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, and how his brother played a major part in it.

“I had gone to give trials for the UP Ranji Trophy team for 2 years, but whenever the final round came, they used to kick me out.” Shami said, ‘When I was not selected after the trials in the first year, I thought it doesn’t matter. Will come again next time, but next year the same thing happened again,” the 33-year-old said.

Shami then revealed the details behind his brother meeting the UP chief selector. “My brother used to watch all this happening and used to stay with him. He was very sharp in this matter. When I went again the next year, the same thing happened, 1600 boys were there and the trials were going to last for 3 days. Brother said, I am not able to understand anything. A fair is going on here. Brother talked to the selection head. Brother got such an answer from him which he had never imagined in his life.”

“The selector told brother that if you can move my chair, then the boy will be selected. It’s very good. Otherwise, sorry,” said Shami.

Following the selectors words, Shami said that his brother tore up the form and that the pacer would not play for UP anymore.

Shami then would go onto give his trials in Tripura, where again he would not be selected. He then recalled the time his coach sent him to Kolkata for a trial at a cricket club.

“I was not selected even in Tripura. After this the coach sent me to Kolkata where there was a club trial, but there was less space there and I had difficulty in getting run-up. When I asked about this, I was told that runup would have to be taken in this limited space. After bowling 8-10 balls, I was stopped, then told that further information would be given regarding the selection,” he revealed.

“I had only Rs 1000 left and had left with Rs 2500. Money was spent on food and accommodation, but even after 2 days I was not informed. The club captain told me that your selection is almost certain, but the manager and CEO will tell you further. On the third day I was told that you have been selected, but you will not get the money. Only accommodation and food will be given,” added the Bengal cricketer.

“I took 45 wickets in 9 matches while playing for this club. After this the manager gave me 25 thousand rupees and a train ticket. I was not sure about this at all. I went home and gave 25 thousand rupees to my mother, but father returned this money to me. Papa said, ‘this is your earning, you should use it’. I bought shoes and accessories with this money,” revealed Shami.