After Bumrah, This Player is the Craftiest Bowler in Current Cricket, Reveals Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar, the former fast bowler from Pakistan, recently highlighted the growing prowess of Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, declaring him the craftiest bowler in current cricket, second only to India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. During a discussion, Akhtar emphasized Farooqi’s ability to take wickets consistently and his skill in outsmarting batsmen. As a standout player in the ongoing DP World ILT20 2025, Farooqi has impressed with his aggressive bowling style, boasting an impressive tally of 20 wickets in just 10 matches. Akhtar praised Farooqi’s keen understanding of the game, noting that he has mastered the art of bowling to outthink opponents while demonstrating exceptional execution with both new and old balls.

Photo Credit: Fazalhaq Farooqi Rajasthan Royals

In the realm of cricket, few bowlers have made as significant an impact as Jasprit Bumrah. Renowned for his unparalleled skill and strategic prowess, Bumrah is undoubtedly a force to reckon with in the world of cricket. However, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently shed light on another player who is rapidly gaining recognition as the craftiest bowler in current cricket—Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi. Akhtar’s endorsement of Farooqi highlights the young bowler’s impressive performances and tactical acumen.

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• A Rising Star in Afghan Cricket
• Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Unique Bowling Style
• The Art of Reading Batsmen
• Performances that Speak Volumes
• Looking Ahead
• Comparison of Crafty Bowlers in Current Cricket

A Rising Star in Afghan Cricket

Fazalhaq Farooqi has been turning heads with his exceptional abilities across various tournaments, notably in the recently concluded DP World ILT20, where he showcased his lethal skills while representing the Mumbai Indians Emirates. His capacity to outsmart batters during matches has not gone unnoticed, and now Akhtar has added his voice to the chorus of admirers. During an interview on the ‘Switch’ YouTube channel, Okhtar acknowledged that Farooqi stands out as the second most intelligent bowler after Bumrah.

Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Unique Bowling Style

Akhtar praised Farooqi for his effective wicket-taking strategy, emphasizing that his approach to bowling is not just about speed but also about intelligence. He stated, “The best thing about him is that he bowls to take wickets. There’s no doubt that Farooqi is currently the wisest bowler in contemporary cricket.” Farooqi’s bowling style is marked by his ability to restrict boundaries and create pressure on batters, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game.

The Art of Reading Batsmen

What sets Farooqi apart, according to Akhtar, is his capacity to read the batsman’s mind. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Farooqi has learned how to adapt his bowling according to the situation, making him one of the toughest bowlers to face in world cricket. Akhtar further elaborated, stating, “Farooqi’s knowledge of the game allows him to anticipate the batsmen’s moves effectively.” This insight into the psyche of batters has made him incredibly challenging to play against, particularly with the new ball.

Performances that Speak Volumes

In the ongoing International League T20, Farooqi has made significant strides, taking 20 wickets across just ten matches, which positions him as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. His ability to deliver in critical moments showcases his maturity and prowess as a bowler. This performance has drawn parallels to the great bowlers of yesteryears, marking his ascendance in the cricketing landscape. Whether with a new ball or an old one, Farooqi has demonstrated an impressive command of various deliveries such as yorkers and slower balls.

Looking Ahead

Shoaib Akhtar’s endorsement of Fazalhaq Farooqi is a testament to the talent oozing from Afghanistan’s cricketing scene. As cricket fans continue to witness Farooqi’s evolution and contribution to the sport, his reputation as a crafty bowler is steadily solidifying. The cricketing community is certainly keen to see how Farooqi will continue to develop and whether he will soon command the same respect as Bumrah amongst his peers in the international arena.

Comparison of Crafty Bowlers in Current Cricket