It is understood that Shami will play either one or both of Bengal’s opening away Ranji match against UP on October 11 and the next one in Kolkata against Bihar on October 18.

Star pacer Mohammed Shami has termed Sanjiv Goenka's "public reprimand" of his India teammate KL Rahul as "shameful" and said the Lucknow Super Giants team owner's reaction to a loss in front of TV cameras "does not have any place in sports".

Gujarat Titans pace bowler Mohit Sharma conceded it was hard to replace a bowler of the calibre of Mohammed Shami as his team succumbed to a massive 63-run defeat at the hands of reigning IPL champions Chennai Super Kings here.

Shami was unable to participate in the five-match Test series against England and will also be absent from the IPL following his Achilles tendon surgery last month. Furthermore, he will not be part of the T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by the West Indies and the USA in June.

Legendary former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has thrown his weight behind the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to terminate central contracts for players who have shown a lack of commitment to domestic cricket.

Shami had flown to London in January to take special ankle injections. However, the medication did not work and the fast bowler had to opt for a surgery.

"Shami was in London in the last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon. But the injection hasn't worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for the UK for surgery. IPL seems out of the question," a senior BCCI source said speaking on anonymity.