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Aaqib Javed Hails Bumrah as the "Usman Tariq of Fast Bowlers"

Pakistan selector and former pacer Aaqib Javed has heaped praise on Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a uniquely disruptive force. Javed compared Bumrah's impact to legendary Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, stating he carries a similar aura. The comments came during a press conference where Javed also addressed Pakistan's recent tournament performances and their winless World Cup record against India. He defended the team's efforts, noting their early exit from the T20 World Cup was due to net run rate after losing only one match.

Key Points: Aaqib Javed Praises Jasprit Bumrah's Unique Bowling Impact

  • Bumrah praised as unique bowler
  • Compared to Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis
  • Denies batters rhythm and flow
  • Pakistan's World Cup record vs India discussed
  • Selector defends Pakistan's recent performances
3 min read

Bumrah doesn't allow batters to find their rhythm or flow, says Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed lauds Jasprit Bumrah, comparing him to Wasim Akram and saying he denies batters any rhythm.

Bumrah doesn't allow batters to find their rhythm or flow, says Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed
"He bowls so quickly and in such a unique manner that a batter never really finds any flow or rhythm against him. - Aaqib Javed"

Lahore, March 14

Pakistan selector and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed has lauded ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, saying that he's someone who doesn't allow the batters to find their rhythm or flow in a match. Bumrah recently picked 14 wickets and became the joint leading wicket-taker in India's triumphant 2026 Men's T20 World Cup campaign.

Javed, a member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning squad under Imran Khan, made his admiration clear for Bumrah, terming him 'the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers'. "In today's era, across this entire World Cup, there is only one bowler like that-Bumrah. Because he is different. He is not a normal bowler.

"Even his action is unusual. When he comes in to bowl, I always say he is like the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. He bowls so quickly and in such a unique manner that a batter never really finds any flow or rhythm against him. He simply doesn't allow it," Javed told reporters in a press conference on Saturday.

He also felt Bumrah carries the aura that ex-Pakistan pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had in their playing days. "Other than him, tell me one more bowler in this entire World Cup, from any team, whom you can look at and feel satisfied that he carries the reflection of a Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or anyone like that. You won't find one anymore," added Javed.

It was a press conference where Javed came out in support of Pakistan's recent performances in the last 18 months, where they have had early exits from the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, including suffering defeats to India.

With Pakistan currently in Bangladesh for an ODI series, Javed stated that losses to their arch-rivals India on the big stage were now not an unfamiliar territory for the side. "The India-Pakistan match is important for us, but we have never (once) beaten India in a World Cup. It is 8-0 (8-1 in T20 World Cups). The best captains from 1975 onwards have played them, including players from all generations, and we've never beaten India; the result is 8-0 (8-1).

"Set that aside - we qualified for the second round, and we lost only one game against England. Did anything else happen? It was not possible to win by that margin against Sri Lanka, which we required. We lost just one game and only missed out due to the net run rate. It's not so big an issue to say our cricket has been destroyed," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's refreshing to see such honest and respectful appreciation across the border. Javed is right – Bumrah's uniqueness is his biggest strength. Batters just can't get settled.
V
Vikram M
Comparing him to Wasim and Waqar is the ultimate compliment. But let's be real, the 8-0 stat in World Cups must hurt for Pakistan. Javed is trying to deflect from their team's real issues. Our dominance isn't just about one bowler.
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Priya S
"Usman Tariq of fast bowlers" – had to look that one up! 😄 But the point is clear. Bumrah's awkward bounce and pace off the pitch are a nightmare. Glad he's on our side!
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Rohit P
Respect to Aaqib Bhai for speaking the truth. But his justification for Pakistan's performance sounds like coping. "Lost just one game"? Bro, you lost to India *again*. That's the game that matters most. Face it.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is great for cricket. Rivalries are better when there's mutual respect for skill. Bumrah is a joy to watch, regardless of which team you support. A once-in-a-generation bowler.
A
Ananya R

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