The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match at the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 has caused quite a stir. Opinions and comments from both sides have been strong and sharp. In this clash, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, emerged victorious with ease, securing their sixth consecutive win. Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, find themselves in a precarious position with only three wins out of seven matches. Their chances of making it to the semi-finals are slim.
Amidst all this, former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has found himself in the spotlight. During an interview on the YouTube channel “Hasna Mana Hai,” he was asked about his previous comment referring to Jasprit Bumrah as a “baby bowler.” Bumrah has been a key figure in the Indian bowling attack throughout the Cricket World Cup, delivering impressive performances, including against England.
In a 2019 interview with Cricket Pakistan, Razzaq had stated, “I have played against great bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, so Bumrah is a baby bowler in front of me and I could have easily dominated and attacked him.”
During the TV show, Razzaq was asked about his comments in light of his performance in the World Cup. He clarified, “Whatever I said was interpreted in the wrong way. The question was how do you see Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, Jasprit Bumrah, Shoaib Akhtar. In comparison to them, he is a baby bowler. I have never said that he is not a good bowler. But when you compare him with Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, tell me if I am wrong in calling him a baby bowler. When I joined the Pakistan team, I was also a baby in front of Wasim Akram.”
While there have been comparisons between Bumrah and Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, former Pakistan pace great Wasim Akram seems to have settled the debate. He praised Bumrah, saying, “He is the best in the world right now. Top of the ladder! The control, the pace, the variations, just a complete bowler. A treat to watch. With the new ball, to get this kind of movement on this kind of pitch… pace, carry, follow-through… you name it, he’s a complete bowler,” during a chat on A-Sports.
This ongoing discussion highlights the intensity and passion that surrounds the India vs Pakistan rivalry.
