Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has showered high praise on India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the “best bowler in the world” and rating him a perfect 10 out of 10 for his skills, consistency, and match-winning abilities. This rare public appreciation from a leading rival pacer has further cemented Bumrah’s reputation as the world’s most impactful bowler across formats in modern cricket.
Shaheen’s glowing admiration for Bumrah
Speaking to reporters ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming series, Afridi said:
“I rate him 10/10. The way he bowls with the new ball and at the death is brilliant. I always try to learn from him. He is currently the best bowler in the world.”
The 24-year-old left-arm pacer, who himself has emerged as Pakistan’s bowling mainstay, added that he particularly admires Bumrah’s:
- Ability to generate pace with pinpoint accuracy
- Effective use of unorthodox action to deceive batters
- Consistency in executing yorkers under pressure
- Versatility in adapting to different conditions and match situations
Bumrah’s journey to the top
Jasprit Bumrah, 30, has been India’s go-to bowler since his debut in 2016. Key highlights of his career so far include:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 36 | 159 | 6/27 vs West Indies |
| ODIs | 89 | 149 | 6/19 vs England |
| T20Is | 68 | 90 | 3/11 vs Zimbabwe |
His unique slingy action, deceptive slower deliveries, and ability to bowl searing yorkers have earned him comparisons with Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, under whom he trained during his early Mumbai Indians days in IPL.
Mutual respect: Bumrah on Shaheen
In previous interviews, Bumrah has also appreciated Shaheen Afridi’s lethal pace and bounce. Their mutual admiration reflects the growing camaraderie and respect among top pacers across borders despite intense cricketing rivalries.
Fast bowling icons in modern cricket
| Bowler | Country | Speciality | Current ICC Test Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | Yorkers, seam movement, death overs | #1 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | Inswing, bounce, aggressive lengths | #7 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | Bounce, accuracy, stamina | #2 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | Pace, aggression, short balls | #5 |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | Swing with new ball, slower balls in death | Unranked (contract free) |
Experts’ views on Bumrah’s impact
Former cricketers have often hailed Bumrah as “once-in-a-generation bowler”, with:
- Wasim Akram calling him the world’s most dangerous bowler in death overs.
- Glenn McGrath praising his control and mental strength under pressure.
- Michael Vaughan stating that Bumrah’s presence gives India a psychological edge against any team.
Bumrah’s recent performances
Bumrah’s standout performances in recent tournaments include:
- Leading India’s attack in their victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with crucial wickets in the final overs.
- Dominating South Africa in Tests with relentless accuracy on flat pitches.
- His spell of 6/19 against England in 2022 remains one of ODI cricket’s most destructive fast bowling displays.
Shaheen vs Bumrah: Modern day bowling icons
Both pacers have often been compared by analysts due to their:
| Attribute | Shaheen Afridi | Jasprit Bumrah |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling arm | Left-arm | Right-arm |
| Bowling style | High release, inswing | Slingy action, seam and yorker |
| Average speed | 140-145 kmph | 140-145 kmph |
| Best weapon | Swinging full ball | Pinpoint yorker |
| Current fitness status | Fully fit after knee injury rehab | Fully fit post back injury recovery |
Social media reactions
Cricket fans and former players praised Shaheen’s sportsmanship in openly appreciating his Indian counterpart. Some tweets read:
- “Great gesture by Shaheen to acknowledge Bumrah. True sportsmanship.”
- “Two best pacers of Asia. Love their mutual respect.”
- “Bumrah is a generational talent, no doubt about it.”
Pakistan’s bowling hopes rest on Shaheen
With Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf supporting him, Shaheen remains Pakistan’s lead bowler in all formats. His praise for Bumrah also signals his keen focus on learning from world’s best to improve his own game.
Looking ahead
Both bowlers will be crucial in the upcoming:
- Pakistan vs Australia Test series, where Shaheen will lead the pace attack
- India’s tour of South Africa, where Bumrah will be tasked with exploiting bouncy conditions
They are also expected to be marquee faces in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, potentially setting up another India vs Pakistan blockbuster clash.
Conclusion
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent praise reiterates that beyond on-field rivalries, cricket is about mutual respect, learning, and celebrating excellence. Bumrah, with his discipline and skill, continues to inspire a generation of fast bowlers globally.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and news reporting purposes only. Player statistics, quotes, and social media reactions are based on publicly available data and official cricket records as of July 2025.
