Full Name: Mohammed Shami Ahmed
Nickname: Lalaji
Date of Birth: September 3, 1990
Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Islam
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Role in Team: Fast Bowler
Net Worth: Estimated ₹55–70 crore INR (approx. $7–9 million USD)
Early Life and Background
On September 3, 1990, Mohammed Shami was born in the Uttar Pradesh hamlet of Sahaspur Alinagar, which is close to Amroha. Tousif Ali, Shami’s father, was a farmer and a former fast bowler, hence he comes from a lowly background. Seeing his son’s potential early on, he brought Shami to Moradabad to train with a local coach named Badruddin Siddique.
Shami stood out despite having less resources because of his commitment and unpolished speed. In pursuit of greater cricketing chances, he relocated to Kolkata, where the Bengal domestic team recruited him. His story of tenacity and dedication from dusty country grounds to the international cricket stage is an inspiring one.
Domestic Career
In the 2010–11 season, Shami made his debut for Bengal in the domestic league. He immediately gained attention for his outstanding seam and swing bowling, particularly with the old ball. He became known for reverse swing, accuracy, and the ability to bowl long spells.
Shami debuted for Bengal in the domestic league during the 2010–11 season. He attracted notice right away for his exceptional seam and swing bowling, especially while using the old ball. He gained notoriety for his precision, reverse swing, and long-term bowling abilities.
IPL Career
Despite having little opportunities, Mohammed Shami’s IPL career started in 2011 with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Later, he played for the Punjab Kings, where he became their leader, and the Delhi Daredevils (now the Capitals). His T20 form improved throughout his time with the Gujarat Titans starting in 2022.
Shami helped the Gujarat Titans reach the final of the 2023 Indian Premier League by taking the most wickets (28), earning him the Purple Cap. He is one of the most complete fast bowlers in IPL history because of his ability to hit early in the powerplay and his precision in the last overs.
International Career
On January 6, 2013, Shami played his first One-Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan. On November 6, 2013, he played his first Test match against the West Indies, taking five wickets in the second innings. He quickly established his signature reverse swing and raw speed.
In several ICC competitions, including as the 2015, 2019, and 2023 Cricket World Cups, he was India’s top fast bowler. Shami was India’s best player at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just 7 games, including many five-wicket hauls and a historic showing against New Zealand in the semifinals.
Along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Shami has established a deadly pace three in Test cricket, which has greatly aided India’s wins both domestically and overseas. He has become one of India’s greatest fast bowlers of all time as of 2025, having claimed more than 250 Test and 180 ODI wickets.
Playing Style
Shami’s traditional quick bowling style is well-known. With incredible control, he produces speed, bounce, and a lethal reverse swing. He is a unique type of modern pacer due to his erect seam stance, ability to take wickets with both new and old balls, and consistency in striking hard lengths.
Because of his versatility and level of fitness, he excels in all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s—unlike many fast bowlers. He is India’s go-to bowler in dire circumstances because of his composed manner and capacity to perform well under duress.
Personal Life
In 2014, Mohammed Shami wed former cheerleader and model Hasin Jahan. Aaira Shami, the couple’s daughter, was born in 2015. However, Hasin’s accusations of adultery and domestic abuse against Shami in 2018 brought their marriage to the public’s notice. Although Shami was eventually vindicated and restored, the incident resulted in legal procedures and a brief ban by the BCCI.
Since then, Shami has maintained a very secluded existence, concentrating only on his daughter and job. He keeps a modest profile off the pitch and resides with his family.
Being a fitness aficionado, he frequently engages in intense training during the off-season. Shami has demonstrated incredible emotional fortitude in the face of personal adversity, making a stunning return and using his performances to silence naysayers.
Additionally, he participates in charitable endeavours and frequently makes inconspicuous contributions to causes like as disaster assistance and the advancement of sports in rural India.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Mohammed Shami’s path is one of unwavering perseverance, class, and fortitude. Millions are inspired by his journey from a modest Uttar Pradesh hamlet to becoming one of India’s most reliable and feared fast bowlers. His influence on Indian fast bowling, particularly reverse swing, has changed the way Indian pacers play in international competitions.
He is the only Indian bowler to collect two 5-wicket hauls in World Cup knockouts and holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets. India’s cricket history will always remember Shami as a fighter who overcame obstacles and performed when it counted most.
He is still an essential component of India’s Test and One-Day International lineups, and he is anticipated to be a major player in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Cricket fans all throughout the world continue to respect his unwavering devotion and quiet fortitude, and his journey is far from done.
