Speaking to a local news channel in Pakistan, Razzad said: “Shaheen bahot accha hai, Bumrah toh uske paas bhi nahi aata (Shaheen is a fantastic bowler. Bumrah is not even close to Shaheen’s level).”
Both the pacers are currently out of action for their national teams. While Bumrah is completing his rehabilitation from a back injury, Shaheen is eyeing a comeback from a knee injury.
Bumrah and Shaheen missed the 2022 Asia Cup due to their respective injuries. While the Pakistan youngster returned to play in the T20 World Cup, Bumrah got ruled out of the ICC tournament after being named in the initial squad.
In international cricket, Bumrah has taken a total of 249 wickets in 30 Tests and 128 ODIs, while in 60 T20Is he scalped 70 wickets. On the other hand, Shaheen has bagged 99 wickets in 25 Tests. The left-armer claimed 62 scalps in 32 ODIs and 58 wickets in 47 T20Is.
It’s not the first time Razzaq took a dig at Bumrah
Razzaq, who is also a member of Pakistan’s new selection committee, has made several controversial remarks against Bumrah even in the past. In 2019, during his interview with Cricket Pakistan, Razzaq talked about what he could have done had he played in Bumrah’s era.
The former Pakistan all-rounder called Bumrah a ‘baby bowler’ and stated: “I have played against great bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, so Bumrah is a baby bowler in front of me and I could have easily dominated and attacked him.”
Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra slammed Razzaq for his comments on Bumrah back then.
“Another fine example of the fact that growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional,” said Chopra on Twitter.
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