Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah share a bond of mutual respect beyond the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan, both on and off the field.
Despite representing archrivals, Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi often praise each other’s skills and talents.
One special moment came during the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka that showed that kindness has no borders. After Bumrah became a father, Afridi walked up to him with a bouquet to congratulate him. That simple gesture won millions of hearts as the Indian pacer also accepted the Pakistani star’s gift.
Shaheen Afridi’s big praise for Jasprit Bumrah wins hearts again
Now, when the ties between India and Pakistan are once again at one of the worst phases after the Pahalgam attack, Shaheen Afridi has yet again shown his respect and admiration for Bumrah to stun many. But that shows a great example of true sportsmanship.
Recently, Pakistan’s pace sensation has showered rich praise on Bumrah when he was asked to rate the Indian bowler. With full conviction, Afridi gave Bumrah a perfect 10 out of 10 and called him the best bowler in the world right now.
Shaheen, who is also known for his own searing pace and match-winning spells, praised Bumrah’s deadly combination of swing, pinpoint accuracy, and experience. Despite being quicker than the Indian pacer in terms of raw speed, Afridi admitted that Bumrah’s overall skill set stands above all.
Shaheen Afridi rates Jasprit Bumrah 10/10
Shaheen Afridi said on the Bricks to Riches Podcast, “Jasprit Bumrah is the best bowler in current time, actually. Swing, accuracy, experience (on why). I think he is the best bowler in the world right now.”
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah is currently on the England tour with the Indian cricket team for the ongoing five-match Test series. He was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, where India scripted history by thrashing England by 339 runs even without the premier pacer.
Bumrah, who played in the first Test and took a five-wicket haul during India’s five-wicket loss at Headingley, is all set to return to action in the third Test, starting on July 10 at Lord’s.
Shaheen Afridi left out of T20I squad for Bangladesh tour
On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi has not been picked in the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, which starts on July 20, along with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Agha will continue as captain for the T20I series in Bangladesh.
It is being said that Pakistan’s new head coach, Mike Hesson, had already informed Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan about their exclusion. The decision was made to allow them to focus on preparations for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 and upcoming ODI assignments.
Babar and Rizwan haven’t played a T20I match since December 2024, while Shaheen last played in March against New Zealand in a home series.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan remain unavailable due to injuries, and the national selectors have named Mohammad Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim, and Salman Mirza as their replacements for the upcoming Bangladesh tour.