Lucknow Super Giants have teased a move for Mohammed Shami ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The franchise posted a picture of Shami's dismissal of Ben Stokes during the World Cup 2023 at the Ekana Stadium. The veteran had signed for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season, but struggled for form and fitness.
The post all but confirms LSG's move to get the UP-born Bengal pacer. Shami's future has been a major talking point leading up to the deadline. Sunrisers Hyderabad had earlier refrained from trading the veteran pacer, but have relented with Lucknow offering to take their 10 crore player of their hands. The 35-year-old picked up just 6 wickets, conceding at over 11 an over.
For Lucknow, there is an obvious emotional appeal of having a local player in their ranks. Shami grew up in the state but moved to Bengal to puruse a cricketing career. The 35-year-old still resides there, building training facilities in his own field. the before moving to Kolkata LSG's pace unit struggled overall last season and they will hope Shami can liven up the Ekana track.
LSG traded Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians for 2 crore and now Shami will fill the experienced hole in their pace attack. While the Bengal pacer might not be the same force as he was a few years ago, he could still be a potent force to be reckoned with. The impact player rule could help Rishabh Pant handle the 35-year-old's fitness better.
LSG have an all Indian pace attack with Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav in their ranks. William O'Rourke was signed as a temporary replacement player last season, but will head back into the pool. Shami adds more quality and allows LSG to release a few of their existing options.
