The level of rivalry between the two countries, which are rivals and even arch-rivals on the field, is even higher due to political animosity. However, whenever the players of India and Pakistan meet outside the field, their warm exchanges do not escape the attention of the cricket world. Which has been seen in the latest Asia Cup, ODI World Cup or Champions Trophy. In continuation of that, Shaheen Afridi did not hesitate to recognize Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler of the present time.
When asked to rate the Indian star pacer, former Pakistan captain Shaheen gave it a 10 out of 10. According to him, the 31-year-old Bumrah is currently the best bowler in the world. Shaheen Afridi is impressed by the Indian star’s swing, bowling according to the same line-length and the implementation of experience in the field. He spoke about this in a podcast called ‘Bricks to Riches’.
First, host Nabil Musarrat asked Shaheen to rate Bumrah. Later, the Pakistani pacer was asked why he rated it 10/10. Shaheen explained, ‘He is the best bowler in the world at the moment. Combining swing, accuracy of the spell and experience. In my opinion, there is no better bowler in the world at the moment.’
Bumrah made his international debut in an ODI against Australia in Sydney in 2016. Since then, he has gradually become India’s best bowler in all three formats. Bumrah is also one of the heroes of India’s long title run on the world stage in 2024. He took 15 wickets in 8 matches on the way to winning the T20 World Cup in the United States. Bumrah also won the Man of the Tournament award. He made it to both the ICC Test and T20I XIs of the Year last year. He is also the highest wicket-taker of the year.
Jasprit Bumrah made his international Test debut against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018. Since then, the right-arm pacer has taken 210 wickets in 46 matches in white. Which has placed Bumrah at the top of history. He is the only bowler to take at least 200 wickets in Tests at an average of less than 20 runs (19.60). Although India is currently playing the right-handed star very selectively considering the risk of injury.
Bumrah played in the Headingley Test in the ongoing Test series against England. He was an exception to the lackluster bowling of other Indian bowlers. He took 5 wickets for 83 runs in the first innings. After taking 3 wickets, Bumrah broke a 24-year-old record set by Wasim Akram. He now has the most wickets against the four superpowers of cricket (abbreviated by combining the initials) (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) outside Asia. Akram was the previous leader with 146 wickets, but the Indian star surpassed that in just 60 innings.
FAQ
What did Shaheen Afridi say about Jasprit Bumrah?
Shaheen Afridi praised Jasprit Bumrah and called him the best bowler in the world, highlighting his skill, consistency, and match-winning ability.
When did Shaheen Afridi make this statement?
Shaheen made the comment during a recent interview or press interaction in 2025, where he was asked about top bowlers in world cricket.
Why did Shaheen call Bumrah the best?
Shaheen mentioned Bumrah’s control, pace variation, and ability to perform under pressure as key reasons for his high praise.
Has Bumrah responded to Shaheen’s compliment?
As of now, Jasprit Bumrah has not publicly responded, but such mutual respect between top cricketers is often appreciated by fans.
Have Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah played against each other?
Yes, both have faced each other in high-profile matches, especially in India vs Pakistan games during ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.
