Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami recently revealed that there was a time when he briefly contemplated suicide due to immense personal and professional pressures. Speaking to Rajat Sharma on Aap Ki Adalat, Shami admitted, “Socha zaroor, par hua nahin” (I thought about it, but it did not happen).
He explained that cricket had given him everything in life, and in those difficult moments he reminded himself of his responsibility to the sport. Instead of letting despair consume him, he chose to focus on his game and channel his energy into moving forward.
The cricketer reflected on how online trolling and harsh criticism added to his emotional burden. He shared that reading endless negative comments and facing public scrutiny day after day made him feel trapped. The weight of accusations against him grew so heavy that he started questioning how much more he could endure.
Personal Struggles and Legal Battles
A significant part of Shami’s challenges came from his strained personal life. In 2018, his marriage with Hasin Jahan collapsed amid allegations and a very public separation. The controversies around his personal relationships quickly spilled into the public domain, where social media amplified the drama. Recently, in July, the Calcutta High Court directed Shami to pay a monthly maintenance allowance to his estranged wife, which once again brought his private life into headlines.
The pacer expressed his frustration at being repeatedly targeted with accusations. According to him, the volume and intensity of the allegations were overwhelming. He even remarked, “Maybe even a terrorist would not have been levelled so many allegations.” For Shami, these constant battles outside the cricket field made his journey all the more difficult, forcing him to build mental toughness to withstand criticism and judgment from both the media and fans.
From Setbacks to Determination
Despite the turbulence, Shami’s cricketing career has shown resilience. Although his recent IPL season was not particularly successful — with only six wickets in nine matches — his impact on the international stage cannot be overlooked. He was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2025 Champions Trophy, proving that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
However, Shami has not been a regular part of the Indian squad since that tournament in March, and speculation about his future continues. Still, his candid admission about suicidal thoughts highlights the human side of athletes who often carry the weight of expectations along with their personal struggles. By opening up, Shami has sent a powerful message about mental health, resilience, and the importance of holding on even in the darkest times.
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