New Delhi, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) felicitated India fast bowler Mohammed Shami on Saturday ahead of his landmark 100th First-class appearance, which he will make for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai.
CAB treasurer Sanjay Das presented the 36-year-old pacer with a special No. 100 Bengal jersey signed by CAB president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Shami also received a ball autographed by Ganguly and a silver plaque before cutting a cake to mark the milestone.
“In the Duleep Trophy final at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, Mohammed Shami will be playing his milestone 100th first-class match,” CAB said in a social media post accompanying pictures from the ceremony.
Shami was also presented with a jersey signed by his East Zone teammates. Captain Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mukesh Kumar were among those pictured with the veteran fast bowler.
The entire East Zone squad received sweet boxes carrying a message from Ganguly, who urged the team to approach the final with an attacking mindset.
“You don’t play finals to participate; you play them to win. Play aggressive, play for each other, and make the East Zone proud. Bring the Duleep Trophy home, boys! Best of Luck,” the message read.
The celebrations came a day after Ishan praised Shami’s determination and said the pacer still has the hunger to return to the Indian team.
“I feel age is just a number,” Ishan said on the eve of the final.
The East Zone captain said Shami’s intensity and energy have been particularly noticeable this season and added that having a bowler of his quality provides the team with confidence.
Ishan also acknowledged the challenge of maintaining motivation in domestic cricket when a player is not regularly involved with the national side. However, he said Shami continues to show strong hunger and motivation to make an India comeback.
“He wants to do that comeback; he wants to be part of the Indian squad again,” Ishan said, adding that Shami has also been helping him with tactical options while he leads East Zone.
The Duleep Trophy final begins on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with Shami set to mark his 100th First-class match.
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