Abdur Rauf: “People often compare Mohammad Amir and other bowlers with Wasim Akram but in my opinion, these bowlers including Amir not even 50 percent of Wasim Akram”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf doesn’t think left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir is “even 50 percent of Wasim Akram”.
Rauf noted that many people compare Amir with Wasim, but feels that this is unfair as Wasim was on a whole different level.
The Sultan of Swing represented Pakistan in 104 Tests and took 414 wickets at an average of 23.62.
He is also the second-highest wicket-taker in ODI history as he claimed 502 wickets in 356 matches at an average of 23.52.
Considering the impact Wasim had, Rauf noted that he is the greatest pace bowler Pakistan has ever produced.
“People often compare Mohammad Amir and other bowlers with Wasim Akram but in my opinion, these bowlers including Amir not even 50 percent of Wasim Akram. He was such a great bowler that such [a bowler] has never been seen since. His action and skill are still unmatched art,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Amir retired from international cricket for the second time after returning to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
As a result, he wasn’t considered for selection for Pakistan’s recent tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He was also overlooked for the two-Test series against the West Indies in Multan, which finished as a 1-1 draw.
The 32-year-old from Gujar Khan also did not get picked in Pakistan’s team for the ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, and the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will take place from February 19 to March 9.
Pakistan Squad for 2025 Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah