Mohammed Shami had been in outstanding form in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps.
Earlier in the year, he also emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, winning the purple cap and helping the franchise reach the final for the second successive time.
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Hence, it is no surprise that before the IPL mini-auction, Shami became one of the circuit's most coveted names. However, the Titans poured water on the aspirations of other franchises as they retained him before the auction.
Although they retained Hardik Pandya as well but ultimately lost him to Mumbai Indians in a trade deal worth INR 15 crore, there were chances that they could have seen Shami leave their camp as well.
MORE: What are the biggest trade deals in IPL history?
Is Shami leaving Gujarat Titans?
In an interview with News18, Colonel Arvinder Singh, the Chief Operating Officer of Gujarat Titans, disclosed that a franchise made direct contact with their leading wicket-taker, Mohammed Shami, violating the appropriate trade procedures.
“Every team has the right to improve by selecting good players. Mohammed Shami has excelled for us, securing the purple cap last season and performing admirably in the World Cup. He’s a crucial part of our team. The issue arises when franchises approach players directly. The BCCI has set up a trading procedure, with teams submitting an expression of interest to them. This information is then shared with the respective franchise, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with the trade or not,” Singh said in a News 18 interview.
Titans fans can be assured that the hijack of Shami has been foiled for now. However, the trade window remains open until December 12 and things could take a turn if any franchise decides to formally approach GT for pacer's services.
When is the IPL 2024 trading deadline?
The deadline for player trades is December 12, 2023. All teams can still complete player trades before this date.
The IPL auction is set to be held on December 19, 2023.
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