Ever since pacer Umran Malik burst onto the scene in the 2021 IPL with his blistering pace, the 23-yea-old has been earmarked to break legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar’s record for the fastest delivery in international cricket. Akhtar had bowled a 161.3 kmph delivery against England at the 2003 World Cup.
Now, the pace legend in an interview said that he’ll be happy to help Malik break his record in an interview with News24 Sports. “I would take 26 yards to bowl. But Umran takes 20 yards. So when he goes to 26 yards, he will have different muscles. I am sure in times to come he will learn. If he needs any help I am always there for him. If you want to break my record, please take it away. It’s been 20 years and it hasn’t been broken, please break it. I will be the first guy to hug and kiss you,” Akhtar said.
“He is very good. He is very strong and has a powerful run-up. He has nice arm speed. So Umran, bowl courageously and learn the art of bowling quickly. Learn the technical aspect. Never compromise with your aggression. Even when you are getting hit a lot, then also don’t reduce your aggression. Always bowl fast. When you go to the field, the ownership of the ground has to be yours. Don’t lose hope and train a lot. You are playing for a great country. People care a lot about this sport. So never let them down and bowl with a big heart,” the Rawalpindi Express added.
A few months ago, Malik when asked if he would break Akhtar’s record, had said that he was not thinking about it with his only aim being to do well for India. “Right now, I’m only thinking about performing well for the country. If I do well, and if I’m lucky, I’ll break that. If not, it’s not a problem. But I don’t think about it too much,” the young pacer had said.