'Shaheen accha hai, Bumrah toh...' - Ex Pakistani cricketer's on Shaheen Afridi-Jasprit Bumrah comparisons

'Shaheen accha hai, Bumrah toh...' - Ex Pakistani cricketer's on Shaheen Afridi-Jasprit Bumrah comparisons (Image Source: Twitter)

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah sustained an injury prior to the start of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 and the pacer is yet to make an international comeback. On the other hand, Bumrah’s rival from Pakistan Shaheen Afridi faced an injury scare in the finals of the multinational tournament against England and is bracing up to make a comeback in the upcoming Pakistan Super League 2023 edition. 

Opening up on the comparison, former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq said that the Pakistani pacer was way ahead of Bumrah and the two cannot be compared at all. Heaping praise on the left-armer, Razzaq said that the Men in Blue does not even come closer to him. India, notably, missed Bumrah’s services in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 and with the 50-over tournament scheduled to take place later this year, the Indian cricket board is doing all they can to keep the player fit. 

“Shaheen bahut accha hai, Bumrah toh uske paas bhi nahi aata (Shaheen is very good. Bumrah doesn't come near him)," Razzaq was quoted as saying to Paktv.tv. The Men in Blue suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against England in the semi-finals of the 20-20 multinational tournament, with the think tank doubting the team selection. 

When can fans expect Jasprit Bumrah to return for India?

The right-arm pacer would not be a part of the Indian squad for the first two Tests against Australia and it remains to be seen if he would make a comeback for the final two games, although reports emerged earlier claiming that Bumrah might be ruled out of the entire series. Rohit Sharma, post the conclusion of the third ODI vs New Zealand on January 24, said that they are hoping for Bumrah’s return for the final two Tests. 

“About Bumrah, I am not too sure at the moment. The first two Test matches, of course, he is not going to be available. I am expecting...I am hoping, not expecting, that he plays the next (last) two Test matches (against Australia). We don't want to take any risks with him as back injuries are always critical. We have a lot of cricket coming back after that as well," Rohit was quoted as saying earlier in the post-match press conference.