Former Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram praised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a modern-day legend of cricket. He also lauded the Indian team management for handling Bumrah’s workload wisely and keeping him fit for a long time.
Akram Hails Bumrah’s Rare Pace & Accuracy, Calls Him the Best of This Era
Akram highlighted Bumrah’s high-speed pace and unique action that generates deadly accuracy, calling it a key factor in what makes him the best bowler of this era.
"Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler, no doubt about it," Akram said on the show Hasna Mana Hai. “He’s got a rare action, serious pace, and the way India is handling him — hats off. Full credit to the management and their mindset,” he added, praising Bumrah's rise.
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When asked if Bumrah ranks among the all-time greats, Akram kept it clear:
“You can’t compare eras. He’s a right-arm quick; I was a leftie. People argue online — neither he cares, nor do I. He’s a modern-day great. I had my time, and he’s having his now — and doing it brilliantly.”
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Speaking on the challenges of modern cricket, the former Pakistan pacer said the pressure on bowlers today is on another level.
“In the 90s, there was no T20. In ODIs, batters left the bad balls. Now, even good balls in Tests are going for boundaries. Bumrah has more chances to pick wickets because batters are constantly looking to attack. As a bowler, that aggression is fun — but it’s a different game now.”
Akram Rejects Two-Tier WTC, Says Test Cricket Needs Quality, Not Division
He also addressed the proposed two-tier Test Championship system and made it clear he isn’t in favour of the idea. Akram believes Test cricket needs quality competition, not separation.
"If Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh keep playing among themselves, how will they improve?" he said. "I don't agree with the two-tier system. Test cricket needs quality teams. There's no point in letting associate teams play Tests before developing their first-class structure," Akram added.
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