The premier fast bowler of the Indian side, Mohammed Shami, has looked back at those times when he had suicidal thoughts but opted against it after the thoughts of cricket came to mind.
The 35-year-old recalled the criticisms he faced after his former wife accused him of domestic violence, match, and dowry harassment.
Shami, who was the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 wickets in seven innings at an average of around 11, a strike rate of 12.20, and an economy rate of 5.26, with the help of three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul in an innings. The pacer recalled how cricket pushed him not to jump to his death.
‘The thought came to my mind, but it did not happen, thank God, otherwise I’d have missed the World Cup. The thought came to my mind to end my life, but then I decided, this game, which gave me so much fame, why should I jump to my death, forgetting all these? I thought of the love and affection. Then I decided, forget this and focus on my game.’ Shami expressed during a recent interaction on Ap ki Adalat.
Mohammed Shami comments on how cricket helped him to overcome suicidal thoughts
Shami has overall picked up 229 wickets in 122 innings of the 50-over format at an average of 27.71 and a strike rate of 50.2 with an economy rate of 3.30. He was also part of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 winning squad under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
‘Bad things are spoken about, but nowadays those things are spoken about which do not exist.. I am most scared of that. Yesterday, I was looking at a photograph, and I didn’t know when I had taken it. The number of allegations that have been levelled against me in the last 6-7 years, maybe even a terrorist would not have been levelled so many allegations.’ The Bengal bowler addressed.
However, since the Champions Trophy 2025, he has struggled with rhythm, having picked up only six wickets in nine innings of the IPL 2025 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He played the Duleep Trophy 2025 recently and aims to come back during India’s home Test series against the West Indies.