Wasim Akram Blasts Razaullah's ‘Over-the-Top’ Celebrations After Test Debut vs England, Says ' Go Home And Hide Your Face'

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Pakistan’s tour of England turned into a difficult campaign, with the visitors losing all three Tests. The struggles also triggered major changes within the team, as seven players were dropped after the first two matches and two coaches were sent back home. Mike Hesson was subsequently brought in to take charge during the series, while several new faces were handed opportunities in the final Test like fast bowler Razaullah, who immediately made an impression with his raw pace and ability to generate lateral movement.

However, Wasim Akram praised Razaullah’s bowling while also criticising the youngster over his celebration at the airport. His comments have added another talking point around the promising fast bowler, whose debut performance has already created significant attention.

Wasim Akram Slams Pakistan’s Celebration After England Test Series Debacle

Pakistan went down by an innings and 103 runs in the opening match, followed by a 194-run defeat in the second Test and an eight-wicket loss in the third. The poor results also led to a major overhaul, with seven players dropped and two coaches sent home after the first two matches, while Mike Hesson took charge during the series. Among the new faces brought into the side for the final Test was 21-year-old fast bowler Razaullah, who made an immediate impact with his pace and movement.

Razaullah claimed four wickets in England’s first innings before producing an equally eye-catching display with the bat. Coming in during Pakistan’s second innings, he smashed nine sixes and four fours on his way to a 63-ball 81. He also put together a 121-run ninth-wicket stand with fellow fast bowler Mohammad Abbas. Despite Pakistan eventually losing the Test, Razaullah’s performance made him one of the major talking points of the match. His showing also sparked comparisons with Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis on social media, while thousands of supporters turned out to welcome him when he returned to Pakistan.

The reception, however, did not sit well with former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. The legendary fast bowler questioned the decision to celebrate an individual performance so enthusiastically despite Pakistan suffering a heavy defeat in the series. Akram argued that such reactions reflected a wider issue with the team’s standards and mentality. “Hide your face at least. Go and celebrate at your home. Let me get this straight, you may bring the best coach in the world, the best chairman in the world, but the players are from here, they are the same. There are no new players. Let’s talk about mindset, very talented. So, we got hammered by England, not lost, hammered. So he arrives in Islamabad with 5,000 people to welcome him. His whole village came to receive him with bouquets and garlands. This tells you the mindset. We have accepted mediocrity,” Akram said, with Waqar Younis by his side.

Razaullah Makes Rapid Rise From First-Class Cricket to Pakistan Test Team

Razaullah’s sudden emergence is particularly notable considering how little first-class experience he had before being handed a Test debut. Born in Mardan, Peshawar, the youngster had played only eight first-class matches after making his debut in November 2025. He had already shown that he could contribute with the bat, including a century for Peshawar while opening the innings, but his reputation was primarily built around his fast bowling.

His Test debut also produced an early glimpse of his potential with the ball. Razaullah dismissed England batter Joe Root with only his fourth delivery in Test cricket, giving Pakistan an important breakthrough during a difficult period for the team. Although his figures became more expensive as the innings progressed, the wicket highlighted the raw ability that had prompted Pakistan to hand him an opportunity amid a period of significant change.

Razaullah was thrown into international cricket with almost no preparation time after Pakistan made sweeping changes following their defeat at Lord’s. Seven players were dropped and two members of the coaching staff were removed, leaving several newcomers to step into the final Test. Rather than being overwhelmed by the circumstances, Razaullah responded with an impressive all-round performance, giving Pakistan a glimpse of a potentially exciting young talent even as the team endured a bruising series in England.

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