Pakistan’s young fast bowler Razaullah made an impressive Test debut against England at Edgbaston, but his journey to the national team reportedly began with an unusual problem — he did not even have a passport when selectors tried to contact him.
The 21-year-old right-arm pacer from Mardan made an immediate impact in his first Test, dismissing England batter Joe Root lbw with just the fourth ball of his international career to claim his maiden Test wicket.
According to reports, selectors initially struggled to reach Razaullah after deciding to include him in Pakistan’s squad for the England tour. His phone was reportedly switched off, prompting a coach to travel to his village to deliver the news.
With the tour already underway, arrangements for his passport and visa were reportedly made on an urgent basis. Razaullah then travelled to England, where he was not merely added to the squad but was immediately included in the playing XI.
The young bowler also attracted attention with his pace, reportedly reaching speeds of around 92 miles per hour during his opening spells. By the end of the day, he had taken two wickets on his Test debut.
Razaullah made his first-class debut for Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy last November. Before that, his performances for the Mardan district team brought him to the attention of Peshawar regional coach Abdul Rehman.
His debut performance quickly generated recognition beyond Pakistan, with former cricketers and cricket commentators, including voices from India, praising his bowling and pace.
Razaullah’s rapid rise from domestic cricket to the Pakistan Test XI has added another intriguing chapter to his early career, with his debut at Edgbaston marking a significant milestone in his development as an international fast bowler.