BCCI Removes Mohammed Siraj [Source: AFP]
In an important update, the BCCI has withdrawn Mohammed Siraj from the India squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.
To put things in context, India are set to play two T20Is against Ireland starting from June 26. After that, the focus will shift to a tougher challenge, as a three-match T20I series against England follows soon after.
However, Siraj will not be part of either of these series due to workload management decisions taken by the team management and medical staff.
BCCI Gives Rest To Mohammed Siraj
Importantly, Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion was not sudden or random. Instead, it came after detailed discussions between the BCCI Medical Team and the Team Management. Since Siraj has been part of a packed schedule recently, the decision was made to give him proper rest and recovery time.
Siraj, who was recently seen in action in a one-off Test against Afghanistan that ended on Monday, has been continuously involved across formats.
According to BCCI, this break is part of a planned workload management programme aimed at keeping him fit for the long season ahead.
BCCI Announces Mohammed Siraj's Replacement For Ireland and England T20I Series
Meanwhile, the BCCI has also announced a replacement for Siraj. Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna will take his place in the squad for these series. In a press release issued by the BCCI on June 9 in the afternoon, it was stated:
“Following discussions between the BCCI Medical Team and the Team Management, Siraj has been advised a period of rest as part of his workload management programme. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure adequate recovery ahead of a long international season.”
Although Prasidh has not played a large number of T20Is so far, the Gujarat Titans star pacer still brings useful experience at the international level. In the few chances Prasidh Krishna has received, he has played 5 T20Is, picked up 8 wickets, and maintained an economy rate of 11.00.
Considering Mohammed Siraj’s recent performances, it’s not hard to see why this decision was taken.
The 32-year-old had just completed a full IPL season with Gujarat Titans, in which he had a steady run, before playing the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He picked up 19 wickets in 17 innings in IPL 2026 with an economy of 9.06.
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj Gets In Ugly Brawl With Another Afghan Player
Why Rest Was Necessary For Mohammed Siraj
Additionally, Siraj has also been a regular in the red-ball set-up of India. Mohammed Siraj has played all the 11 Test matches that India have played from 2025.
Not just that, the Hyderabad pacer has bowled a massive 374.3 overs since 1 January 2025, which is the highest by any Indian pacer and second highest overall across formats.
It is clear that some rest was necessary, considering the workload. Pacers are under tremendous physical strain, especially in modern cricket. Therefore this break is seen as a precaution, not a setback.
India’s updated squad for Ireland and England T20Is: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prasidh Krishna
Also Read: Gujarat Titans Create History In India's Test vs Afghanistan

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