{
  "id": 6938304,
  "title": "Razaullah: From Mardan academy to Pakistan's new cricket sensation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/razaullah-from-mardan-academy-to-pakistans-new-cricket-sensation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T13:47:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/razaullah-from-mardan-academy-to-pakistans-new-cricket-sensation-1.500672211"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Young Razaullah arrived in the northern Pakistani city of Mardan with his two elder brothers, his dreams set on becoming a cricket sensation. His elder brother Samiullah aimed to keep Razaullah away from a life like his own, working as a truck loader. The tall and sturdy fast bowler was enrolled in Mardan's cricket academy, a decision his brother believed would change his future. On his Test debut, Razaullah dismissed the world's best batter Joe Root with his fourth ball, and scored a sensational 81 runs, smashing nine sixes against England at Edgbaston. This performance not only saved Pakistan from an innings defeat but also electrified fans across England and Mardan alike. Commentator Urooj Mumtaz praised Razaullah's fearless batting and entertaining style, saying it brought the beauty of Pakistan's raw talent to the forefront. Despite being drafted into the Pakistan team after Pakistan withdrew seven players, Razaullah's international career was a surprise. Inducted as player number 14, his journey from a remote village in Upper Dir to the national team is an inspiring tale for budding cricketers. The unassuming young man had no passport when picked for England, but his relentless pursuit of speed and boundary-clearing deliveries had already caught the attention of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Former Pakistan coach Abdul Rehman spotted Razaullah at a Twenty20 tournament in Quetta and recruited him for their team in the Pakistan Super League, where his speed and potential were further recognized. Cricket legend Waqar Younis, Razaullah's idol, was also impressed by his fearless batting style, vowing to manage him properly so he could progress further.",
  "summary": "From obscurity to smashing sixes: Pakistan's Razaullah rises to stardom",
  "key_points": [
    "Razaullah arrives in Mardan with dreams of becoming a cricket sensation.",
    "Dismisses Joe Root with fourth ball on Test debut, scores 81 runs.",
    "Journey from Upper Dir to Pakistan's national team is inspiring."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}