Will SRH release Mohammed Shami? Big franchises show interest for the veteran pacer News24 –

The recently out-of-favour Indian team player, Mohammed Shami, has become the talking point as a potential three-way shuffle in this year’s IPL 2026 season. Many franchises are showing interest in the veteran pacer, which might just open a window for his trade. SunRisers Hyderabad is weighing its options in the market to make the most out of the unprecedented demand.

The 35-year-old seamer has been a long-time linchpin of India’s bowling attack across formats, boasting an international career decorated with 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. Lucknow Super Giants are one of the franchises showing keen interest; Delhi Capitals are also reported to be considering a move. How SRH navigates this interest-whether through straight trade or by releasing him into the auction pool-remains to be seen, though a direct cash-for-player deal seems more probable.

Shami had been bought by SRH for INR 10 crore at the previous mega auction in Jeddah, but his returns were far below par last season, a poor six wickets at 56.17 with an economy rate of 11.23 in complete contrast to his career IPL figures of 28.19 and 8.63, respectively.

Overall, he has claimed 133 wickets in 119 IPL matches. His best seasons were with Gujarat Titans, where he picked up 20 wickets apiece in 2022 and 28 wickets in 2023. He missed the entire 2024 IPL season out due to injury.

The extent of Delhi Capitals’ interest is reflected in recent comments by Sourav Ganguly.”I’m sure the selectors are watching and there is communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of.

“So, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, one-day cricket and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly, part of the Delhi Capitals management mentioned, as quotesd by Cricbuzz

Although Shami has not played for India since the Champions Trophy final in Dubai in February this year, with some public controversy between him and chief selector Ajit Agarkar over his fitness, he has demonstrated that he’s ready to go by taking 15 wickets in his last three Ranji Trophy matches this season for Bengal.