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Razaullah Khan Mashwani’s journey to Pakistan’s Test team began far from the bright lights of international cricket.
It started with tape-ball cricket in Mardan.
The fast bowler was born into a family from Nehag Dara in Upper Dir. His family moved to Mardan when he was around two years old.
Mardan soon became the place where he developed his cricketing skills. His journey took years of hard work before he earned a place in Pakistan’s national team.
His pace eventually became his biggest strength.
Razaullah started his cricket journey with tape-ball cricket before moving to hard-ball cricket.
His father encouraged him to stay focused on the sport. His five brothers also supported him throughout his development.
Akmal Khan, one of his coaches, has followed the fast bowler’s progress closely.
“He is a very good boy and his main focus is on his game only,” Akmal said.
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Akmal, a former first-class batting all-rounder and qualified coach, runs the Akmal Khan Cricket Academy in Mardan.
He believes Razaullah has the ability to contribute with the bat as well. However, his bowling has remained the strongest part of his game.
“He is a nice guy and is passionate about his bowling,” Akmal said.
Razaullah joined the Akmal Khan Cricket Academy during the 2022-23 season.
He played Under-19 cricket at inter-district level in 2023. His performances earned him selection for the Abbottabad Region Under-19 team.
His first national Under-19 opportunity brought immediate attention.
“In his first appearance at the national Under-19 level, he was one of the best-performing players,” Akmal said.
Akmal also worked with the regional Under-19 coaching staff alongside head coach Arun Lal.
Razaullah continued to impress during a tournament in Quetta. He then moved into senior cricket with the Mardan district team.
However, an elbow injury after his second match interrupted his progress.
The setback did not stop him.
MIT Solutions gave Razaullah an opportunity in 2024.
He responded with 28 wickets.
He returned for another season and claimed 27 wickets. His performances helped the team reach the final against Sahir Associates.
Sahir Associates won the final and secured promotion to first-class cricket. Razaullah, however, had already strengthened his reputation as a promising fast bowler.
He later joined the 30-player Abbottabad Region group. Opportunities remained limited, but another chance soon arrived.
Rafatullah, the Peshawar Region coach, selected him as a guest player.
Razaullah showed his all-round ability by scoring a century and a half-century.
Sahir Associates then offered him a contract for the 2025-26 first-class season.
He took 25 wickets in five matches.
That performance brought him to the Pakistan Super League.
Rawalpindi selected Razaullah in the PSL.
He played only two matches but made an impression with his speed. He reached 148 kph and showed why selectors viewed him as a fast-bowling prospect.
His progress continued in domestic white-ball cricket.
Razaullah represented Abbottabad Region in the National T20 competition. The team went on to win the title in 2026.
He was then called up to a white-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy.
Another major opportunity followed at the Champions Cup.
Razaullah was selected for Pakistan Gold and delivered a series of impressive performances. His displays helped Pakistan Gold win the tournament.
He later returned to the National Cricket Academy for a fast-bowling camp.
This time, he finished as the player of the camp.
The decisive moment came late one night.
Razaullah was at home when the National Cricket Academy asked him to report.
That call eventually led to his selection for Pakistan’s Test squad.
For a cricketer who started with tape-ball cricket in Mardan, the rise has been remarkable.
Those who have worked with him, however, say his success did not happen overnight.
“Razaullah is a very talented and hardworking young man,” Akmal said.
“He strongly believes in hard work and has always trusted his own efforts. He has never believed in taking shortcuts.”
Akmal described his journey as the result of dedication, determination and continuous hard work.
Mukhtiar Hussain, a former Abbottabad Region manager, also praised the fast bowler’s attitude.
“He is a hard-working player and the best thing in him is that he focuses on his job,” Mukhtiar said.
Razaullah remains connected to the places that shaped his career.
One of his brothers still lives in Nehag Dara in Upper Dir. Razaullah himself lives in Mansab, near New Sabzi Mandi in Mardan.
The Akmal Khan Cricket Academy also remains an important part of his story.
Akmal said the academy and Shaheen Club, which Razaullah represents, will welcome him warmly when he returns.
His journey now stretches from tape-ball cricket in Mardan to Pakistan’s Test team.
It is a story built on pace, patience and persistence.
Pakistan also has another promising cricketer from Upper Dir in Kamran Ghulam, adding to the region’s growing connection with the national game.
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