Former India pacer Varun Aaron sparked controversy after praising Jasprit Bumrah following the England Test series. Aaron claimed that Bumrah might already be superior to legendary Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Wasim Akram, a statement that drew criticism from former Pakistan seamer Abdur Rauf.
Wasim Akram, who represented Pakistan in 104 Tests, claimed 414 wickets at an average of 23.62. He is also the second-highest wicket-taker in ODI history, with 502 wickets from 356 matches at an average of 23.52.
Despite these monumental records, Aaron suggested that Bumrah’s performances, particularly in international conditions, put him on par—or even above—the Sultan of Swing.
“Calling him a genius would be an understatement. He has now surpassed Wasim Akram in terms of wickets taken in SENA countries. That says it all for me because Wasim was arguably the best fast bowler to ever play the game—and Bumrah is pretty much the same, if not better,” Aaron said in a recent interview.
Aaron’s comments came after Bumrah’s impressive display in England, where he claimed 14 wickets in three Tests, including two five-wicket hauls, one of which came at Lord’s in the third Test.
“Bigot of the highest order”—Abdur Rauf lashes out at Varun Aaron for disrespecting Wasim Akram
Rauf wrote on X, as reported by Geo Super:
“I am surprised by former Indian players who compare Bumrah with Wasim Akram. If an ordinary person with little cricket knowledge said something like this, it might be excusable. But for a Test cricketer to do so shows either a lack of understanding or makes him a bigot of the highest order. Wasim Akram was, without a doubt, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His naturally gifted skills are unmatched.”
Akram is widely recognized as the finest left-arm pacer in cricket history and one of the all-time greats in international cricket.
