Team India star Umran Malik enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2022; the star pacer produced consistent performances for his Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and consequently received a maiden India call-up in June. While he wasn't the part of India's 15-member squad at the T20 World Cup, Umran now remains an integral member of the side's white-ball setup.
The bowler made name for his fearsome pacer, and also became India's fastest bowler in history when he clocked 156kph last month, during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Malik has drawn comparisons with Pakistan's legendary speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who currently holds the record for fastest recorded delivery in international cricket (161kph against New Zealand in 2002).
However, there's another Pakistan bowler – 21-year-old Zaman Khan – who is making waves in the country for his impressive pace. Zaman plays for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League and is drawing comparisons with Umran among the local media. Ahead of the start of the eight edition of Pakistan's franchise T20 league, Zaman was asked to comment on the Umran comparison.
However, the Pakistan youngster had a rather straightforward reply. “If you talk about pace... I don't really care about pace. I care about performances. It's the performance that matters. Your pace is natural to you,” Zaman told local media in an interaction, posted by paktv.tv on their YouTube channel.
{{/usCountry}}However, the Pakistan youngster had a rather straightforward reply. “If you talk about pace... I don't really care about pace. I care about performances. It's the performance that matters. Your pace is natural to you,” Zaman told local media in an interaction, posted by paktv.tv on their YouTube channel.
{{/usCountry}}When asked again to comment on whether he's targeting to go past Umran, he said, “If god wills… let's see.”
Zaman is yet to make his Pakistan debut but has taken 40 wickets in 30 T20 matches (overall) in his career so far. He has also appeared in seven List A matches, taking six wickets. The right-arm pacer will be appearing for the Qalandars in the upcoming edition of PSL.