Mohammed Shami (born 3 September 1990) is an Indian cricketer, a right-arm fast bowler famous for his upright seam position and his ability to move the ball both ways. He is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups and was the leading bowler at the 2023 tournament, where he took 24 wickets in seven matches. He has taken more than 200 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Mohammed Shami Ahmed |
| Born | 3 September 1990, Sahaspur, Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Age | 36 |
| Role | Right-arm fast bowler |
| International debut | ODI January 2013, Test November 2013 |
| Domestic team | Bengal |
| IPL teams | Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants |
| Honour | Arjuna Award (2023) |
| Known for | 2023 World Cup, 7 for 57 against New Zealand |
Early Life
Shami was born in Sahaspur village in Amroha district. His father, Tousif Ali, was a farmer who had bowled fast in his youth and built a cement pitch for his sons. Noticing Mohammed’s pace, he took him to the coach Badruddin Siddique in Moradabad. When Shami was not selected for the Uttar Pradesh under-19 team, his coach sent him to Kolkata in 2005, where he played club cricket, sometimes sleeping in a tent at the ground, and broke into the Bengal side in 2010.
Career
Shami made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Delhi in January 2013, bowling four maidens. On his Test debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens that November, in Sachin Tendulkar‘s farewell series, he took nine wickets with reverse swing.
He played the 2015 World Cup with a knee injury that later needed surgery. From 2018, with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma, he formed the fast-bowling group that won India Test series in Australia. At the 2019 World Cup he took a hat-trick against Afghanistan.
Left out of India’s first four matches of the 2023 World Cup at home, Shami came in and took five wickets against New Zealand at Dharamsala. He finished with 24 wickets, the most in the tournament. His 7 for 57 in the semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai are the best figures by an Indian in ODIs. India lost the final to Australia.
An ankle injury needing surgery kept him out for more than a year. He returned in early 2025 and was part of the team that won the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Personal Life
Shami married Hasin Jahan in 2014, and they have a daughter. The couple separated in 2018, and their dispute has been before the courts. His younger brother, Mohammed Kaif, plays for Bengal.
Awards and Honours
Major Titles
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Mohammed Shami born?
Mohammed Shami was born on 3 September 1990 in Sahaspur, Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, India and is 36 years old.
What is Mohammed Shami known for?
Known for: 2023 World Cup, 7 for 57 against New Zealand.
Featured image: Mohammed Shami warms up before play in the first Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 3 August 2018. Photo by Aidan Sammons, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
