Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has expressed his concern for bowlers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, following Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) record-breaking innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
SRH notched up a mammoth 287/3 in their allotted 20 overs, the highest total in IPL history, while smashing a staggering 22 sixes—the most by any team in the tournament. Akram’s sympathy for the bowlers stems from the sheer dominance of the batsmen in this year’s IPL, as he remarked, “Thank God, I am not playing cricket in this era. I mean, they are scoring 270 in 20 overs. It’s like 450 or 500 in a 50-over game.”
Akram further added, “If it happened once, it was okay, but this has happened three-four times, which shows how strong the batting is. It is illegal to score 100 runs in 5 overs. How can this happen? Even if you bowl full-tosses, it is tough to do it.”
SRH’s batting masterclass has solidified their position as the “most destructive side” in IPL 2024, according to Akram. Among the standout performers for SRH has been South African Heinrich Klaasen, who has impressed Akram with his exceptional six-hitting ability.
“Heinrich Klaasen is one of my favourite players in the world if you talk about white-ball cricket,” said Akram. “His ability to hit sixes is incredible. Abdul Samad is doing a good job as a finisher. He is playing his role well. Also, Pat Cummins’ presence as a captain has brought some calmness in the SRH dressing room.”
