I will be happy if Umran Malik breaks my fastest delivery record: Shoaib Akhtar

One of the best fast bowlers to have played the game, Shoaib Akhtar noted his desire to see India’s new sensation Umran Malik break his record of clocking the quickest delivery in international cricket. The former Pakistan pacer clocked a 161.3 kmph delivery (100.2 mph) in the 2003 World Cup and the record has stayed for a long time now. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Malik has been generating speeds above 150 Kmph constantly in the ongoing IPL 2022 edition.

The speedster from Jammu and Kashmir has already impressed a lot of experts after clocking the fastest delivery of IPL 2022 with a 157 Kmph thunderbolt and it turned out to be the second-fastest in the tournament history as well. Alongside his raw pace, Malik has taken 18 wickets in 12 games this season and has proved to be sensational retention by the franchise.

I will be happy if Umran Malik enters the 100-mph club: Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar mentioned that he wants to see Malik building a long international career which can be tough for quick bowlers and noted that he would be happy if Malik will break his record. He added about the importance of playing without injuries as quick bowlers strain a lot on their bodies. Meanwhile, he hopes to see Umran in international colours soon.

“I want to see him have a long career. A few days ago, someone was congratulating me as it’s been 20 years since I bowled the fastest delivery but no one has been able to break the record. But I said, ‘There must be someone who can smash this record’. I will be happy if Umran breaks my record. But he needs to ensure that he doesn’t get injured in the process. I want to see him playing for a long stretch without any injuries,” Shoaib Akhtar was quoted as saying by CricketPakistan.

“I want to see him on the world stage as he belongs there. At present, there are not many people who can cross the 150 kmph mark. We have seen that Umran has been bowling consistently at that pace. I want Umran to that 100-mph mark at the back of his mind. I will be happy if he enters the 100-mph club. But he has to stay away from injuries which can halt his career,” he added.