A tennis-ball cricketer from a farming family in Khanewal and a Karachi wicketkeeper who once scored a maiden century on the same ground where he now plays his first Test – Pakistan’s newest debutants carry very different journeys into one of the most difficult assignments in world cricket.
Quick Answer / Key Update
Pakistan handed Test debuts to wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, all-rounder Mohammad Imran Randhawa and pace bowler Razaullah for the series-deciding third Test against England at Edgbaston on September 9, 2026. The trio were among seven new call-ups after the Pakistan Cricket Board sent seven players home following a heavy defeat at Lord’s.
What Happened?
Pakistan arrived at Edgbaston trailing 2-0 in the series after being beaten by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley and by 194 runs at Lord’s. In response, the PCB made sweeping changes, sacking Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, replacing them with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, and sending seven players home, including wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, whose dismissal while chasing 389 at Lord’s drew heavy criticism.
The Stories Behind the Debuts
Ghazi Ghori, born in Karachi, replaced Rizwan behind the stumps. His first-class record, 1,692 runs at an average of 41.26 with three centuries, includes a maiden hundred scored at number six against WAPDA in only his second first-class match at Karachi’s National Stadium, an innings he has called the most memorable of his career.
Mohammad Imran Randhawa’s path began with tennis-ball cricket in his village near Khanewal, Punjab, before he switched to leather-ball cricket at the only such club in his hometown. His father, a farmer, supported him through school and district cricket for Rahim Yar Khan, and all six of his brothers also played the game growing up. Randhawa said he found out about his Test call-up through a midnight phone call asking him to send his passport, without knowing at the time that he was being considered for the squad.
Why Is This Trending?
With Pakistan already 2-0 down and effectively playing for pride, the human stories behind the uncapped players stepping into a high-pressure series decider have resonated with fans looking beyond the scoreboard for a positive angle on a difficult tour.
Key Details
Match: 3rd Test, Pakistan tour of England, Edgbaston
Debutants: Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper-batter), Mohammad Imran Randhawa (all-rounder), Razaullah (fast bowler)
Cap Presenters: Saud Shakeel presented Ghori’s cap, Mohammad Abbas presented Razaullah’s, and captain Babar Azam presented Randhawa’s
Context: Pakistan trailed 2-0 in the series heading into this match
What Happens Next?
All three debutants will look to build on their first outings as the Edgbaston Test continues, with their performances likely to shape selection conversations for Pakistan’s next assignments beyond this series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Pakistan’s Test debutants at Edgbaston?
Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah all made their Test debuts in the third Test against England.
Why did Pakistan make so many changes for this Test?
After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the PCB sent seven players home and made coaching changes, leading to five uncapped players being called into the squad.
Who did Ghazi Ghori replace in the side?
Ghori replaced Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper.
What is notable about Randhawa’s background?
He began playing cricket with a tennis ball in his village, is the son of a farmer, and grew up with all six of his brothers playing the sport before he progressed through age-group and district cricket.
Final Takeaway
Amid a difficult series for Pakistan, the stories of Ghazi Ghori and Mohammad Imran Randhawa offer a reminder of the long domestic journeys behind international debuts. Whatever the result at Edgbaston, both players have already taken a significant step in their careers by earning their first Test caps for Pakistan.
