Wasim Akram sees shades of Shahid Afridi in young Abhishek Sharma

New Delhi: During the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistani legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram had a chance meeting with India's rising star batsman Abhishek Sharma. Following India's triumph over Pakistan in their Group A clash, a video capture of their exchange went viral, with Akram praising the promising young player.

“Amazing innings. I saw that innings. Keep it up. This is the start… Keep your head down and keep performing. All the best,” Akram said in the video.

The legend recently shared details about a meeting where he initially did not recognize Abhishek. However, upon introduction, Akram recognized him and expressed kind words for the batsman, who had scored an impressive century during the England series.

“Look, I met him in Dubai. I was in the DP World Box. I didn’t recognise him first. This young boy came up to me and said ‘I am Abhishek Sharma’. I said wahi ‘Abhishek jisne maar maar k England ka dumba banaya’,” Akram said on Ten Sports.

“I said ‘well done beta’. He’s a very good-looking boy. I have seen a couple of clips of his batting. I think he has got a very bright future. I gave him only one piece of advice: I said this is just the start, think you have to play for another 15-20 years for your country,” he added.

Akram highlighted Abhishek’s century off 37 balls during the series against England and drew a comparison between him and the dynamic Shahid Afridi.

“The kind of talent that he has, I believe he is also a very good fielder. What a player and what an innings. A 37-ball hundred. I had heard of Boom boom Afridi and now this.”

Wasim further added, ‘I have seen his innings, and I think he is an excellent hard-hitting batsman. He just needs to keep focusing on his game..”