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| Where has ‘Jammu Express’ Umran Malik disappeared? | | India’s speed king missing as J&K celebrates historic glory | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 18: Even as players, former cricketers, and officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association bask in the glory of a historic Ranji Trophy triumph, a glaring absence has sparked debate across cricketing circles—India’s pace sensation, famously dubbed the “Jammu Express,” Umran Malik, has seemingly vanished from the spotlight.
In a moment of unprecedented success for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, questions are being raised over why one of India’s most electrifying fast bowlers was not part of the squad that scripted history. Despite being the face of raw pace from the region, Malik’s absence has left fans puzzled and experts searching for answers.
Adding to the intrigue, officials of the JKCA have maintained a conspicuous silence regarding Malik’s future, even as he remains associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Once the talk of international cricket, Umran Malik stunned the world with his blistering pace. He etched his name in the record books by clocking a jaw-dropping 156 kmph delivery during an ODI against Sri Lanka national cricket team at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in January 2023—making him the fastest Indian bowler ever.
In doing so, Malik surpassed the previous benchmark set by Jasprit Bumrah, who had clocked 153.36 kmph. Earlier, Malik had already broken barriers by hitting 155 kmph in a T20I, announcing himself as India’s new pace phenomenon.
One of his most memorable spells came against Sri Lanka, where his sheer pace dismantled the opposition. A fiery 155 kmph delivery rattled Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who was cruising at 45 off 27 balls before being dismissed—turning the match decisively in India’s favour.
Among India’s fastest, Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini follow Malik on the speed charts, but neither has consistently matched his raw pace.
Malik’s pace wasn’t confined to international cricket. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022, he clocked a staggering 156.9 kmph delivery against Delhi, one of the fastest in the tournament—second only to Lockie Ferguson’s 157.3 kmph thunderbolt.
Hailing from the Gujjar Nagar locality of Jammu, with roots in Sunjwan village, Malik’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. The son of a humble vegetable vendor, who runs his business near Sheedhi Chowk in the heart of Jammu city, Malik rose through sheer grit and determination—without the backing of elite training facilities.
Widely regarded as a rare fast-bowling talent, Umran Malik possesses everything needed to dominate world cricket—express pace, aggression, and youth on his side. Consistently breaching the 150 kmph mark, he remains one of the few bowlers capable of challenging global speed records.
Yet today, as Jammu and Kashmir celebrates its cricketing milestone, the silence around its fastest-ever bowler grows louder.
Where is the “Jammu Express”? And more importantly—why has Indian cricket’s speed king been sidelined at a time when his home team is making history? |
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