Last Update: February 04, 2023, 09:49 IST
Umran Malik bowling against Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20 match against Sri Lanka in Pune.
Sohail Khan last played for Pakistan in 2017. He had earlier revealed how he silenced Virat Kohli when the former India captain tried to sledge him during the 2015 World Cup.
After taking a jibe at Virat Kohli, Pakistan cricketer Sohail Khan has now taken a jibe at India pacer Umran Malik. The 25-year-old has clearly made a name for himself because of his ability to bowl at speeds in excess of 150 and that too consistently. In the recently concluded Sri Lanka white ball series, he recorded a speed of 156 KMPH. It was the fastest he had ever bowled in his nascent career. He has been praised by former cricketers and pundits alike, but this gentleman from Pakistan felt otherwise.
Has played 16 matches for Umran India – 8 each in ODIs and T20Is – and took 24 wickets at an average of less than 30 in any format.
Speaking on the Nadir Shah podcast, Khan said he has seen many bowlers like Umran when asked if India’s youngster can break Shoaib Akhtar’s pace barrier. ‘There are many like it,’ he replied.
“I think this Umran Malik boy is a good bowler. I have seen 1-2 matches. He runs fast and keeps checking other things too. But if you think of fast bowlers who clock more than 150-155 kmph, I can count 12-15 players right now who play tape-ball cricket. If you go to the trails organized by Lahore Qalandars, you will find many players,” Sohail said on the Nadir Ali Podcast.
“There are many like him (Umran Malik). Domestic cricket is heavy on us. (Our domestic setup is full of bowlers like Umran Malik). When a bowler comes to our domestic level, he becomes a reliable bowler. Like Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf… these are bowlers who know their stuff. I can give you many names.”
Earlier during an interaction, another Pakistan cricketer did not shy away from taking a jibe at Umran. Comparing him to Haris Rauf, Aaqib Javed had said that Umran’s pace drops during the match. Furthermore, Khan reflected on whether Umran can actually break Akhtar’s record.
“There is only one thing that can break Shoaib Akhtar’s record, and that is a bowling machine, because no human can ever do that. The reason is that no one has worked as hard as Shoaib. Used to make 32 rounds in a day; I used to do 10 a week. He used to run on mountains with weights strapped to his feet and sprint,” said the Pakistan pacer, who last played an international match in 2017.
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