Javed Compares Bumrah to Tariq, Draws Criticism

Lahore, Pakistan - Pakistan cricket selector Aaqib Javed drew widespread criticism on Saturday after comparing Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq during a press conference, likening Bumrah's distinctive action to Tariq's during the recent T20 World Cup.

Javed, speaking alongside former players Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, described Bumrah as "the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers." He highlighted Bumrah's unconventional approach, noting that it disrupts batters' rhythm. "He is different and doesn't have an action like a normal bowler," Javed said. "The way he comes in to bowl, batsmen cannot get into a flow or rhythm." Javed added that, in the high-scoring T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Bumrah stood out as the only bowler who evoked the qualities of past greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, even as he began conceding more runs.

The comparison came amid reflections on Pakistan's disappointing campaign in the tournament, where the team exited in the Super Eights stage after losses, including to India. Tariq, a mystery off-spinner, featured in five matches and took 10 wickets with his signature pause before delivery, which kept...