Pakistan’s latest cricketing revelation, Rajaullah, has firmly refuted widespread social media claims alleging he lacked a passport when called up for the national team’s ongoing tour of England. The 22-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder was drafted into the squad as part of a sweeping overhaul designed to stem a series of poor performances by the national side in English conditions. Shortly after his inclusion was announced, a dramatic narrative gained rapid momentum online.
Viral posts asserted that the young cricketer resided in a remote mountainous district, rendering direct communication extraordinarily difficult for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials. According to the internet rumours, board representatives had to physically locate him before orchestrating an emergency passport application so he could board the flight to the United Kingdom. Unverified reports were subsequently republished as fact by several mainstream international news outlets, including Gulf News, amplifying the sensationalist tale worldwide.
Addressing the media following a memorable debut at Edgbaston, Rajaullah dispelled the viral fiction directly, setting the record straight regarding his administrative background. He stated unequivocally that the reports were entirely baseless, clarifying that he had possessed a valid, authorised passport nearly a full year prior to the squad selection. The statement completely dismantled the widespread tale of a last-minute scramble to secure his travel documentation.
Despite the persistent off-field noise, the young cricketer delivered a remarkable performance on the pitch. Opening his international bowling spell with formidable pace exceeding 148 km/h, Rajaullah dismissed English captain Joe Root with merely his fourth delivery in Test cricket, instantly signaling his quality on the big stage.
His defining moment came with the bat in hand. Entering the crease at number nine with Pakistan teetering on the brink of an aggregate defeat, Rajaullah mounted a blistering counter-attack, scoring 81 runs off just 63 balls. His explosive innings featured nine towering sixes, equaling the world record set by New Zealand’s Tim Southee for the most sixes struck on Test debut. The effort also saw him join England captain Ben Stokes in holding the record for the highest number of sixes hit in a single Test match innings on English soil.
Ultimately, Rajaullah’s maiden international appearance stands out as much for his historic prowess with bat and ball as for his swift handling of media misinformation. Having proved his mettle under pressure, maintaining this level of performance remains his primary objective as he looks to consolidate a permanent place in Pakistan’s Test lineup.