In a bold move, Pakistan dropped star batter Babar Azam from the playing XI for the second Test against England, citing his poor form. Replacing him is Kamran Ghulam, a domestic cricket sensation with an impressive track record. While Ghulam’s journey to the national team has been full of ups and downs, he finally gets his opportunity to shine.
A Promising Talent Overlooked for Too Long
Kamran Ghulam’s name first made headlines during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he smashed over 1,000 runs in a single season. Despite his stellar domestic performance, Ghulam struggled to find a consistent place in the Pakistan team. Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, he was added to the ODI squad in 2023 but got his debut under unusual circumstances—entering as a concussion substitute for Haris Sohail midway through a match. However, he didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl during that game, leaving fans puzzled about his future with the team.
Kamran’s Bond with Shaheen Afridi and PSL Success
One reason for renewed hope in Ghulam’s career could be his close friendship with Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s fast-bowling sensation and son-in-law of Shahid Afridi. The two have shared plenty of success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Ghulam has played for several top PSL teams, including Islamabad United, where he won his first PSL title in 2016. More recently, he was part of Lahore Qalandars’ back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023 under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy.
A Player with Solid Domestic and International Experience
Born on October 10, 1995, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kamran Ghulam is known for his all-round abilities. Besides being a reliable middle-order batter, he also bowls left-arm orthodox spin, making him a valuable asset to the team. In first-class cricket, Ghulam boasts impressive numbers, scoring 4,377 runs in 59 matches at an average of 49.17, including 16 centuries and 20 half-centuries.
Ghulam has also represented Pakistan at the international level in the Under-19 World Cup in 2014. During the tournament, held in the UAE, he scored 100 runs and took three wickets, helping Pakistan reach the final, where they were narrowly beaten by South Africa.
A Chance to Prove Himself
With his inclusion in the Test squad, Kamran Ghulam now has a golden opportunity to showcase his talent. Pakistan’s decision to rest Babar Azam and trust Ghulam could open new doors for the young cricketer. Alongside him, spinners Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood have also made it into the playing XI, signaling Pakistan’s intent to use spin effectively in the second Test.
Fans will now watch closely to see if Ghulam can live up to the expectations and cement his place in the national team.
