This Indian pacer receives death threat via email

Dubai: Just weeks after India coach Gautam Gambhir was threatened via email, pacer Mohammed Shami has become the latest high-profile cricketer to receive a death threat — with a chilling ransom demand attached.

The Cyber Crime Police Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district registered an FIR after Shami was targeted via email on Sunday. The complaint, accessed by IANS, was filed on Monday on the orders of the Superintendent of Police and lodged on Shami’s behalf by his brother, Haseeb.

According to the FIR, the sender not only threatened the India fast bowler but also demanded a ransom of Rs10 million. Shami, who is currently turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, is based in Hyderabad. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

IPL struggles after Champions Trophy high

Shami has been rested for Sunrisers’ next fixture against Delhi Capitals. The 34-year-old has managed just six wickets in nine matches this season at an average of 56.17 — a stark contrast to his stellar performance in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign earlier this year.

He was instrumental in India’s triumph, picking up nine wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the opener in Dubai.

From bowling woes to rule changes

While Shami’s IPL form has dipped, he has been active behind the scenes, lobbying the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reverse the post-Covid saliva ban. His plea paid off — the board reinstated the use of saliva for shining the ball in IPL 2025.

Shami also welcomed the decision allowing teams to replace the wet ball during the second innings to counter dew, saying it would bring much-needed balance between bat and ball.

“For a long time, the rules have favoured batters — but now, things are finally shifting a bit,” Shami said on JioHotstar’s special series Gen Gold. “After Covid, the saliva ban made it tough to reverse the ball, but with that lifted, bowlers can finally get some swing back. Also, being able to change a wet ball is a big plus — a dry ball gives better grip and life, especially in tough conditions.”

Fighting back from injury

Shami also opened up about the long road back from a knee injury that kept him out of action for over a year.

“Injuries are part and parcel of a fast bowler’s life. My recovery took 14 months, and it wasn’t easy, especially given the challenges I faced during my domestic career,” he said. “Regaining rhythm and the right mindset was tough. In 2023, I had a sudden breakdown, so I made it a point to play as many domestic matches as possible — ended up playing 12 or 13. That, along with the England series, helped me rebuild my confidence. When it comes to performance, I’ve always focused on giving my best.”