IPL 2024

Star Pakistan pacer makes controversial statement on Umran Malik

Indian pace sensation Umran Malik has grabbed a lot of attention since clocking disconcerting pace in the Indian T20 League 2022. After every Hyderabad game in the season, Malik emerged as the fastest bowler and won the cash rewards. During the league phase, the right-arm pacer clocked a speed of 157 kmph. It looked like he will become the fastest bowler of the season.

However, he was overtaken by Lockie Ferguson during the final of the 15th season. Ferguson clocked 157.3 and became the fastest bowler of the season. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s lead pacer Shaheen Afridi is unimpressed with the Indian youngster. Afridi said pace won’t help if a pacer doesn’t have a proper line or length.

“Speed can’t help you if you don’t have line and length and swing,” said Shaheen when asked about Umran Malik and Lockie Ferguson’s performance in the Indian T20 League while speaking to the media ahead of the Pakistan vs West Indies ODI series.

The left-arm pacer also spoke about the difficult weather during the series. However, he said that the team is looking forward to playing good cricket and the pacers are ready to bowl long spells.

“The weather is hot but we are looking forward to playing good cricket in it. It would be a tough challenge for the fast bowlers to bowl long spells in summer but as a professional, we are ready to face it,” he maintained.

The 22-year-old added that the series is important for his team’s chances in the World Cup qualification and the team doesn’t want to lose any game. For the unversed, Pakistan is currently tottering at the 10th position in the Cricket World Super League.

“This is an important series in terms of World Cup qualification which is why we don’t want to lose any match. Also, West Indies are a strong international side and it is not as if they are sending under-19 players for this series,” he added.