Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the modern-day great ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9 in the UAE. The former Pakistan fast bowler has praised not only Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional skills but also the way India has carefully managed its premier bowler to ensure longevity and consistent match-winning performances.
With his unique action and explosive pace, Bumrah has redefined fast bowling in an era where batters dominate in all three formats of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler: Wasim Akram
Akram pointed out that the modern-era bowlers are under constant attack due to the rise of T20 cricket and the aggressive mindset in Tests and ODIs.
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Despite these challenges, the Indian fast bowler continues to outsmart world-class batters with his relentless precision and variety, which make him one of the most lethal bowlers of modern cricket.
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Wasim Akram said on the show Hasna Mana Hai: “Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler, no doubt about it. He has a very unusual action, he has pace, and the way India is managing him is incredible. Full credit to the management and their mindset.”
Wasim Akram refuses to compare eras, hails Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance
The legendary fast bowler was also against comparing different eras, and he boldly claimed that Bumrah’s achievements deserve more credit than his own. Akram added, “One should not compare eras. He is a right-arm fast bowler; I was a left-arm quick. I’ve seen debates on social media, but neither he cares nor do I. He is a modern great. I did my bit in my time, but he is very impressive.”
Speaking about the challenges of modern cricket, Akram said, “In the 90s, there was no T20. In ODIs, batters often left bad balls, but now even good balls in Tests get hammered. There’s much more pressure on bowlers these days. Jasprit has more chances of picking wickets since batters are always looking for shots. As bowlers, we enjoy that aggression.”
Wasim Akram slams two-tier WTC plan, warns of damage to global Test Cricket
Akram also issued a strong warning against the proposed two-tier World Test Championship system. He argued that isolating teams like Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh into a second division would stifle their growth rather than improve it in Test cricket.
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He signed off by saying, “If Pakistan, the West Indies, and Bangladesh keep playing among themselves, how will they improve? 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.”
Jasprit Bumrah and others clear pre-season fitness checks in Bengaluru
Meanwhile, Indian cricket has received a positive start to the new season, with every player clearing the pre-season fitness tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Over the weekend, all the Indian players successfully passed several assessments.
The tests included the Yo-Yo drill and DXA scans, which provide a detailed look at body composition and strength levels. Among those who passed all the tests were Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur.
They are all ready for the upcoming season as the Men in Blue gear up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9 in the UAE.