‘That’s his opinion’: Wasim Akram on Ravi Shastri’s ‘don’t overhype Shaheen Afridi’ remark | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former India skipper and head coach Ravi Shastri created a furore with his remark on Shaheen Shah Afridi saying don’t overhype Pakistan pace spearhead by drawing comparisons with the legendary Wasim Akram.
Shastri made his comments while commentating during the India-Pakistan match in Ahmedabad on October 14.

“He is a good bowler, he can claim a wicket with the new ball.

But you have to admit it, if Naseem Shah is not playing and the quality of Pakistan’s spin bowling is like this, then Shaheen Shah Afridi koi Wasim Akram nai hai! Acche bowler hai. Lekin itna bhi jyaada chadane ka koi zaroorat nahi hai. Jab hai theek thak, toh bolna chahiye woh theek thaak hai. Chadha ke nahin bithana chahiye ki bohot zabardast hai. Yeh nahi hai! Yeh maan na padega. (Shaheen Afridi may be a skilled bowler, but it’s essential not to exaggerate his abilities by comparing him to Wasim Akram. While he is undoubtedly a good player, it’s important to limit our praise to acknowledging his proficiency. He may not reach the status of a great player, and we must acknowledge that fact),” Shastri said.

Reacting to Shastri’s remark, Akram said Shaheen is one of the best pacers right now and the former India player is a good friend of his and he is entitled to have his own opinion.
“I read about it. Ravi is a good friend of mine, that’s his opinion. If you want to draw comparisons with any top bowlers of the world, Shaheen is one of the best right now,” Akram said during the discussion on A Sports.

The left-arm pacer Shaheen has not been at his best since returning from a knee injury and failed to make any impact in the World Cup so far. However, he claimed a five-wicket haul against Australia in Bengaluru.
“He may be out of touch, low on confidence but he will make a comeback. He is young. He gets his rhythm back when he plays Test cricket, he starts taking wickets. He is on the right track,” Akram added.