Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Umran Malik has caught everyone’s attention with his pace and bounce. He has consistently bowled over the 150 kmph mark in the cash-rich league.

The 22-year-old, who has claimed 18 wickets so far, has hurled the fastest delivery – 157 kmph – in the IPL 2022 season as well.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also taken note of Malik's performance in the ongoing IPL.

According to Akhtar, the Jammu and Kashmir lad will play for India as he belongs to the world stage but added that the young speedster needs to stay away from injuries.

"I want to see him have a long career. A few days ago, someone was congratulating me as it's been 20 years since I bowled the fastest delivery but no one has been able to break the record. But I said, 'There must be someone who can smash this record'. I will be happy if Umran breaks my record. But needs to ensure that he doesn't get injured in the process want to see him playing for a long stretch without any injuries," Akhtar told Sportskeeda.

"I want to see him on the world stage as he belongs there. At present, there are not many people who can cross the 150 kph mark. We have seen that Umran has been bowling consistently at that pace. I want Umran to that 100 mph mark at the back of his mind. I will be happy if he enters the 100 mph club. But he has to stay away from injuries which can halt his career," he further added.

Fondly known as the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar also urged the BCCI to take care of Umran Malik’s workload.

"BCCI and youth academy need to take care of Umran's workload. He now has to train scientifically in an advanced way. His bowling needs to be measured. When you drive a car at high speed, there are chances of its tire blowing up or engine getting damaged. It has to go back to the factory and recuperate. During the offseason, Umran has to make sure that he trains double his workload. That will reduce the pressure of his workload," he explained.