The veteran Indian pacer revealed that lifting the ODI World Cup remains the one unfulfilled dream of his career. He also reflected on India’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where despite his brilliant performances, the Men in Blue fell short against Australia. India had gone unbeaten throughout the tournament until that crushing loss in the final.
Mohammed Shami, who was instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for his side with nine wickets in five matches, reaffirming his importance to the team.
“Winning the ODI World Cup is my only remaining dream,” says Mohammed Shami
In an exclusive conversation with News24, 34-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami revealed his ultimate ambition: lifting the ICC ODI World Cup trophy for India. He reflected on the team’s near-miss in the previous edition.
“I only have one dream left — to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be part of that team, contribute, and bring the trophy home,” Shami said.
Recalling the 2023 campaign, he added, “We came very close. There was a mix of excitement and fear during the knockout stages. But the fans’ belief and enthusiasm kept us motivated. It was a dream that could have been realized, but perhaps luck wasn’t on our side.”
The next ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October-November 2027, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By then, Mohammed Shami will be 37, and his inclusion in the squad could be uncertain.
Currently, Mohammed Shami is representing the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26. He is expected to return to the national side for India’s home Test series against the West Indies in October. Notably, he was absent from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.