IPL 2022 | Sameen Rana compares Umran Malik to Haris Rauf

Pace sensation Umran Malik has launched himself into the limelight as fast as his 150 kmph deliveries. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer has stunned everyone with his pace and killer bouncers in this edition of the IPL. 

Umran, who has played just two domestic matches, has quickly caused an international uproar through his bowling in the past couple of months.

He started as a net bowler for the Sunrisers side in the first leg of the 2021 IPL and soon made it into the first side, replacing the injured T Natarajan. As a result, Umran was retained by the same franchise for a whopping 4.4 crores.

So far, he has clocked several 150 kmph+ deliveries in the IPL. In a match against the Gujarat Titans, Malik chalked up a 153.3 kmph delivery, the fastest in IPL so far.

Sameen Rana, Owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars, was quick to compare the youngster with Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf.

Rauf had a similar backstory to the J&K speedster. He made his way up from an extremely humble background and broke into the international circuit with a bang.

Rana stated that Haris and Umran both had similar stories. Both started from white-ball cricket, are from Jammu and Kashmir and had no background in first-class cricket.

"I am very happy that Lahore Qalandars have not just impressed Pakistan cricket but also Indian Cricket. If you look at Malik's story, you will see that it has been a Haris Rauf inspired story. Maybe they had followed Haris' story and must have thought, if it can happen in Pakistan, then why not in India. Because there are a lot of similarities, both started from white-ball cricket, are for J&K, no background in first-class cricket," said Rana.

The Lahore Qalandars owner stated that he was surprised to see such a player establish himself in the multi-million dollar Indian Premier League. He believes that Haris is a trailblazer and has opened up a pathway for players. 

Rana also mentioned that the Lahore Qalandars were highly criticised when they added Haris Rauf to the squad and were accused of 'killing' domestic cricket. But today, Rauf is Pakistan's pride. He hopes that the same doesn't happen for Umran but wishes him the best.

Umran Malik, after his sensational performance in the IPL, will be hoping for a place in the Indian T20 World Cup squad.