Awais, Pakistan's Young Batting Sensation, Earns Test Call-Up

Key facts

• Awais, a 21-year-old opening batter, has been selected for Pakistan's Test squad.
• He scored 844 runs at an average of 76.7 in the 2024/25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
• Awais represented Pakistan at the 2024 U19 World Cup, scoring two half-centuries.
• He has yet to play a senior T20 match.
• Wicketkeeper Ghori, who averaged 20 in List A cricket, is also selected for the Test squad.
• Pakistan is scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a Test series.
• The tour of Bangladesh precedes a later summer trip to England.

A Star Ascends to the Test Arena

Pakistan's Test squad is set to welcome a new face, 21-year-old opening batter Awais, who has earned a call-up for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh. This selection marks a significant milestone for the young talent, whose rise through the domestic ranks has been swift and impressive. The tour is the first step in Pakistan's return to Test cricket, with a subsequent journey to England planned for later in the summer. Awais's inclusion highlights a growing trend of rewarding domestic performers, particularly those who excel in the longer format. Notably, despite his burgeoning red-ball credentials, he has yet to feature in a senior T20 match, underscoring his specialization and the selectors' focus on his potential in Test cricket. The young batter's journey began at a formative age, showing early promise in junior tournaments. His consistent performances have now culminated in a place within the national Test setup, a testament to his dedication and skill.

A Domestic Career Defined by Runs

Awais's first-class career, though nascent, has been prolific. He made his first-class debut in October 2024, but his performances in the preceding seasons laid the groundwork for this elevation. His journey through Pakistan's domestic system began at 16, demonstrating an early aptitude for the game. In the PCB U16 One-Day Tournament in February 2021, he finished as the third-highest run-scorer, averaging nearly 60. By the end of that year, he was competing in U19 three-day cricket, maintaining an average of 50 across five matches in the 2021/22 season. His talent was further showcased at the 2024 U19 World Cup in South Africa, where he struck two half-centuries, including one in the semifinal against eventual champions Australia. The 2024/25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy proved to be his breakout season. As a left-hander, he amassed 844 runs, the most in the competition, at an exceptional average of 76.7, notching four centuries. This stellar performance was followed by another strong showing in the President’s Trophy, where he scored 578 runs with five half-centuries in 14 innings.

Continued Dominance and International Exposure

Awais's run-scoring prowess continued into the 2025/26 season, where he achieved a second consecutive 800-run season in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. While his average dipped to 32 in the President’s Trophy that year, his cumulative domestic record had clearly convinced the national selectors. His potential was also recognized with a call-up for the Pakistan Shaheens tour of England in July 2025. During that tour, he scored two half-centuries in three one-day matches and registered a notable 98 in his first three-day innings in England. These performances, particularly his consistent ability to score heavily in red-ball cricket, have positioned him as a promising prospect for Pakistan's Test future. His inclusion in the squad for Bangladesh signifies the selectors' confidence in his readiness for the international stage.

Wicketkeeper Ghori Also Earns Test Nod

Alongside Awais, wicketkeeper Ghori has also been selected for the Test squad, filling a role as a middle-order batsman and backup for Mohammad Rizwan. Ghori’s selection comes despite a modest average of barely 20 in List A cricket during his ODI debut in Bangladesh earlier this year. Selectors, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, have emphasized Ghori's suitability for the middle order, viewing him as the best option to provide stability. His red-ball credentials appear to be a significant factor in his selection for the Test squad. Ghori has a history of performing well in domestic three-day cricket. He averaged 40 as a wicketkeeper in the U19 three-day tournament in 2020/21 and replicated this performance in his first full first-class tournament, the President’s Trophy in 2023/24. His career has largely been in the department-level President’s Trophy for the State Bank of Pakistan, where he has accumulated 937 runs in 15 games over the last two seasons, averaging 42.6. This includes two centuries, four fifties, and 47 dismissals behind the stumps.

A New Generation of Pakistani Cricketers

The selection of Awais and Ghori points to a deliberate strategy of integrating emerging talent into the Test setup. Both players have demonstrated a strong affinity for red-ball cricket, distinguishing themselves in domestic tournaments. Their inclusion comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to build for the future, potentially offering them opportunities to debut in the upcoming series. While Ghori might not debut immediately in Bangladesh, his selection suggests his Test aspirations are within reach. The broader context also includes other emerging players like Minhas' younger brother, Sameer, who has garnered attention through his performances for Pakistan U19 and in the PSL. Arafat, another young cricketer, has already made his T20I debut and had a strong PSL season in 2026, showcasing his all-round abilities.

Looking Ahead: Bangladesh and Beyond

The tour of Bangladesh represents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan's Test squad, particularly for newer members like Awais and Ghori, to prove their mettle on the international stage. The series will serve as a gauge of their readiness and potential impact. Following the Bangladesh tour, Pakistan is scheduled to travel to England for a Test series later in the summer. This packed schedule offers a platform for these young cricketers to gain valuable experience against top-tier opposition. The selectors' decisions reflect a clear vision for the future of Pakistan's Test cricket, emphasizing domestic performance and a commitment to nurturing talent. The coming months will reveal whether these selections pay dividends.

The bottom line

• Pakistan's Test squad for the Bangladesh tour includes promising young batter Awais.
• Awais has a strong first-class record, highlighted by 844 runs at an average of 76.7 in the 2024/25 season.
• Wicketkeeper Ghori, noted for his red-ball domestic performances, is also selected for the Test squad.
• Both players have shown a preference for red-ball cricket over white-ball formats.
• The Bangladesh tour is the first part of Pakistan's return to Test cricket, followed by a series in England.
• The selections indicate a strategic focus on developing new talent for Pakistan's Test team.