Mohammed Shami endured a harrowing accident shortly after being cleared of match-fixing allegations in 2018. Currently, Shami is focused on recovering from an ankle injury, which has kept him out of action, including missing the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup. However, he is making strides towards a comeback and could be ready for the Test series against New Zealand in October.

The period between December 2023 and now has been one of Shami’s longest stretches away from the game, causing him significant frustration. Despite being among the disappointed on November 19, 2023, when India missed the World Cup, Shami is not dwelling on the past but remains determined for the future.

Shami has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including personal turmoil, a contentious separation from his former wife Hasin Jahan, match-fixing allegations, domestic abuse, and even contemplating suicide. Among these struggles, a particularly near-fatal incident occurred shortly after he was exonerated. In 2018, while on a road trip with his close friend Umesh Kumar, Shami was involved in a severe car accident that could have been fatal.

According to Umesh, “Shami had just been cleared of all charges, and we decided to visit Dehradun. We came very close to death that night. After reaching Dehradun and practicing at a stadium, we left early in the morning. We fell asleep during the drive, and suddenly, it felt like the car had shattered. When we regained control, Shami’s face was covered in blood, and he was badly injured.”

Umesh recounted that a truck had collided with their vehicle, severely damaging the car but fortunately not harming the passengers. The accident was so severe that the truck even hit their escort vehicle, and they narrowly avoided a transformer and a ditch.

Despite this life-threatening incident, Shami’s resilience remains evident as he continues to push towards his return to cricket.