Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was praised by Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram as a modern great with a unique style and winning potential. However, Wasim Akram denied that he was on par with Bumrah, saying that the two were from different eras.
Wasim Akram attributed Jasprit Bumrah’s success to his unconventional approach, his quick thinking, and India’s meticulous workload management.
Akram on Bumrah: Respect Without Comparisons
Wasim Akram said Bumrah’s success is outstanding and credited the Indian cricket board for managing his workload smartly. He pointed out that comparing bowlers from the 1990s and today makes no sense.
“Jasprit Bumrah is a wonderful bowler. His action is unusual, he bowls with great pace, and credit goes to the Indian board for how they look after him. Comparisons between the 90s and today are meaningless. He is right-handed, and I was left-handed. People argue online like it’s their own fight. Neither I care, nor he cares. He is a modern-day great, and I was from my own time. He is a very impressive bowler, no doubt,” Akram said on GEOTV’s Haarna Mana Hai show.
ALSO READ: Ederson Leaves Manchester City for Fenerbahce, Donnarumma Tipped as Replacement
Varun Aaron Calls Bumrah a Genius Abroad
Former India pacer Varun Aaron also spoke about Bumrah’s brilliance, especially in overseas matches. He noted that Bumrah has already gone past Wasim Akram’s wicket tally in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).
“Calling him a genius would be an understatement. To go past Wasim Akram’s wickets in the SENA countries says it all. Wasim was one of the greatest fast bowlers ever, and Bumrah is right up there—maybe even better,” Aaron said.
Cricket Has Changed Over Time
Akram reminded fans that cricket in the 90s was very different from what it is today. Pitches, fitness, workload, and technology have all changed. He emphasized that rather than being constantly compared, modern stars and historical icons should be valued for their own times.
ALSO READ: Rajiv Shukla Set to Become BCCI President; Dhumal and Chaudhary Eye Key IPL Posts
Bumrah’s Next Challenge
Bumrah will be back in action at the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. He has not played a T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Indian team is carefully managing his workload so that he remains fit for major tournaments and key series.
Fans appreciate contrasting players from various eras, as evidenced by the dispute between Wasim Akram and Jasprit Bumrah. But the real lesson is that both men are legendary fast bowlers. Wasim Akram’s swing dominated cricket in the 1990s, but Bumrah’s pace and precision currently rule the game.
ALSO READ: UFC Fight Night September 7: Full Match Card, Fights, and Main Event Details
