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Kamran Ghulam, a rising star in Pakistan‘s domestic cricket, has been thrust into the spotlight after being selected to replace Babar Azam in the playing XI for the second Test against England. As Pakistan aims to bounce back after a disappointing loss in the first Test, all eyes will be on Ghulam to see if he can live up to the challenge.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ghulam and what makes him an exciting addition to the Pakistan Test squad.
1. Background and early career
Ghulam was born on October 10, 1995, in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He grew up playing cricket in the northern region of Pakistan, a place known for producing talented cricketers. Ghulam’s journey through the ranks of domestic cricket was marked by perseverance and consistent performances, eventually earning him a spot in the Pakistan A and domestic sides.
2. Breakthrough in domestic cricket
Ghulam’s major breakthrough came during the 2020-21 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class competition. Playing for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he scored a record-breaking 1,249 runs in a single season, the highest by any player in the tournament’s history. This performance was instrumental in establishing his credentials as a solid middle-order batter who could anchor an innings or accelerate when needed.
3. Consistency and technique
One of Ghulam’s biggest strengths is his consistent run-scoring ability. He has been a dependable batter in domestic cricket, known for his calm approach and solid technique. His ability to play both spin and pace with ease has made him a valuable asset, especially in conditions that favor swing or turn. His strong back-foot game helps him handle short-pitched deliveries, while his composure against spin makes him a reliable player in the middle order.
4. Recognition in 2020 PCB Awards
For his tremendous performance and consistency in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Ghulam was named Domestic Cricketer of the Year in 2020 PCB Awards. He finished with 1249 runs in 20 innings at an outstanding average of 62.45.
Also READ: Pakistan announce spin-heavy playing XI for the second Test against England
5. International debut and selection
Notably, in November 2021, Ghulam was named in Pakistan’s Test squad for their series against Bangladesh. In February 2022, he was named as a reserve player in Pakistan’s Test squad for their series against Australia. In the year 2023, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand in January. With Babar’s exclusion due to a dip in form, Ghulam has been called up to fill the gap in the upcoming second Test against England.
6. Role in the team for the second Test
In the upcoming second Test, Ghulam is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s middle order. The team management hopes his steady approach and ability to play long innings can provide the balance needed in the batting lineup. With the match being played in spin-friendly conditions in Multan, Ghulam’s experience against spin bowlers will be an added advantage.
7. Challenges and expectations
Making a debut in a high-stakes game is never easy, and Ghulam will have the added pressure of replacing a player like Babar, who has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s batting lineup. However, Ghulam has shown resilience throughout his career, and this will be his chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. The cricketing community will be watching closely to see if he can translate his domestic success to international glory.
8. Future prospects
A successful debut in the second Test against England could pave the way for Ghulam to become a regular fixture in Pakistan’s Test side. With his ability to build innings and adapt to different situations, he has the potential to become a key player for Pakistan across formats. Given his skillset, Ghulam has a long career ahead, and this opportunity could be the start of a promising international journey.
