Manchester, September 21, 2026: Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has questioned the grand reception given to young pacer Razaullah following Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat to England.
Razaullah was among seven players drafted into Pakistan’s squad for the third Test after the team suffered consecutive defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.
The 21-year-old made his Test debut in the third match, scoring 11 off 11 balls in Pakistan’s first innings before making an impact with the ball. He claimed four wickets, including England captain Joe Root, for 148 runs in 23 overs.
Razaullah then produced an attacking performance in Pakistan’s second innings, smashing nine sixes and four fours in an entertaining 81 off 63 deliveries.
His innings helped Pakistan set England a target of 130, but the hosts comfortably chased down the total for a two-wicket victory, completing a 3-0 series whitewash.
Despite the series defeat, Razaullah received a rousing welcome on his return to Pakistan last week. A large number of supporters gathered at Islamabad International Airport, showering him with rose petals and presenting him with traditional garlands.
Fans also lifted the young cricketer onto their shoulders while chanting slogans in his support, with several supporters recording the celebrations on their mobile phones.
Akram criticised the scale of the reception, saying the circumstances did not warrant such celebrations after Pakistan’s heavy series defeat.
“Hide your face at least. Go and celebrate at your home,” Akram said while speaking at a charity event in Manchester.
He said the reaction reflected the expectations and mindset surrounding Pakistan cricket.
“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.
The former captain also argued that changes in coaching or administration alone would not transform Pakistan cricket without improvements at player level.
“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,” he said.
