‘You cannot compare him with Shaheen Shah Afridi’: Robin Uthappa names Pakistan’s ‘toughest bowler’

With Shaheen Shah Afridi installed as Pakistan's lead pacer in all formats, many fans and experts will be hoping for the 22-year-old to lead Babar Azam and Co. to glory in this year's ODI World Cup, set to be held in India.

Having made his debut in 2018, Shaheen has played in 25 Tests, 32 ODIs and 47 T20Is, taking 42, 31 and 47 wickets respectively. Due to his performances in 2021, Afridi also received the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. In that year, he took 78 wickets in 36 international matches.

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But former India cricketer Robin Uthappa recently downplayed Afridi's popularity by stating that Mohammad Asif was a tougher bowler. A former Pakistan cricketer, Asif played for his country between 2005 and 2010. Pointing out that his 'skill level was very high', Uthappa said, "Mohammad Asif was the toughest Pakistan bowler I faced. His skill level was very high. Asif used to swing the ball, and you cannot compare him with Shaheen Shah Afridi."

Despite his immense talent and potential, Asif's career was filled with controversies and he was banned for spot-fixing in 2010. He was convicted along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir and suspended by ICC in all formats. He made his return after the ban when he represented the Water and Power Development Authority in 2016-17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Once even Shoaib Akhtar recalled Asif's greatness and pointed out his destruction of none other than VVS Laxman. "The world has seen me bowl. If you want to see the art of bowling, just observe Mohammad Asif - that is what you call bowling. VVS Laxman was frustrated in Karachi (2006) because he didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t figure out the deliveries that were being bowled to him", he said on ESPNcricinfo. Asif bagged seven wickets in that Karachi Test match as India were bundled out for 265 in the second innings, chasing a total of 607.