Kolkata: India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been included in Bengal’s 19-member squad for the 2026–27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14. Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the side in the domestic T20 competition, with Shami expected to strengthen Bengal’s pace attack through his experience and recent performances in first-class cricket.
The selection comes as Shami continues his domestic cricket commitments after being left out of India’s recent tour of New Zealand. The experienced pacer has featured regularly for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season and has taken 14 wickets in three appearances in the first four matches. His performances have kept him active and competitive as he looks to maintain his form in the shorter format.
Shami’s experience adds strength to Bengal attack
At 36, Shami remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in Bengal’s squad. His ability to generate pace, move the ball and trouble batters with the new ball gives the team an important option in the T20 format.
His inclusion is particularly significant given his recent workload in the Ranji Trophy. Taking 14 wickets in three matches underlines his contribution to Bengal’s campaign and provides an indication of his current bowling form. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will offer him another opportunity to build match rhythm and demonstrate his effectiveness in the shortest domestic format.
Bengal’s pace department will also feature India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar. The presence of Shami and Mukesh gives the side two experienced options, while the other members of the squad provide additional bowling choices.
Abhimanyu Easwaran to lead 19-member squad
The Cricket Association of Bengal has named Abhimanyu Easwaran as captain for the tournament. The squad combines established domestic performers with younger players who will be looking to make an impact at senior level.
One of the notable selections is Shashank Singh, Bengal’s Under-23 captain, who is set to make his senior debut. Prayas Ray Barman has also been included, adding another young option to the team.
All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed is part of the squad and will be available for Bengal’s opening match against Karnataka. He is also scheduled to join India’s Rising Stars Asia Cup campaign in Doha, which is expected to affect his availability later in the group stage.
Full Bengal squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Bengal’s 19-member squad for the tournament is:
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain)
- Sudip Gharami
- Yuvraj Keswani
- Aditya Purohit
- Abishek Porel (wicketkeeper)
- Shakir Gandhi (wicketkeeper)
- Karan Lal
- Pradipta Pramanik
- Sourav Halder
- Prayas Ray Barman
- Mohammed Shami
- Mukesh Kumar
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Kanishk Seth
- Sayan Ghosh
- Syed Irfan Aftab
- Akhilesh Yadav
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Shashank Singh
The selection reflects Bengal’s attempt to balance experience and emerging talent. Alongside senior players such as Shami, Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar and Shahbaz Ahmed, the squad includes youngsters who will be keen to establish themselves in the senior team.
Bengal to open campaign against Karnataka
Bengal have been placed in Elite Group A alongside Karnataka, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. All the league matches in the group are scheduled to be played in Mumbai.
Bengal will begin their campaign against Karnataka at the Wankhede Stadium on November 14. The opening fixture will be an important early test for Easwaran’s team, particularly as Karnataka will also be aiming to make a strong start to the competition.
The group-stage schedule gives Bengal seven matches between November 14 and November 26. The team will need consistent performances from both its batting and bowling units to progress to the next stage. Shami’s experience could prove valuable in close matches, especially when Bengal need wickets at crucial moments or someone to control the scoring during the middle overs.
Shami continues domestic cricket journey
Shami’s inclusion also comes shortly after his announcement that he is retiring from Test cricket. The fast bowler has indicated that he intends to continue playing white-ball cricket, making domestic T20 tournaments an important part of his playing calendar.
His Bengal selection therefore provides a clear opportunity to remain involved in competitive cricket and contribute to his state side. While his international future will depend on form, fitness and selection decisions, performances in domestic competitions can help him maintain match sharpness.
For Bengal, having a bowler of Shami’s experience available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a significant boost. The team will hope that his recent Ranji Trophy form carries into the T20 competition as it begins its campaign against Karnataka.
The tournament will also give younger players in the squad an opportunity to learn alongside established cricketers. With Easwaran leading the side and a mix of experienced internationals and promising domestic talent, Bengal will look to make a strong start in Mumbai on November 14.