Kamran Ghulamrising star Pakistan‘s domestic cricket came under the spotlight after being selected to replace him Babar Azam XI playing for the second Test against England. As Pakistan aim to bounce back from a disappointing defeat in the first Test, all eyes will be on Ghulam to see if he can rise to the challenge.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ghulam and what makes him an interesting addition to the Pakistan Test squad.
1. Source 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 known for producing talented cricketers. Ghulam’s journey through the domestic cricket ranks was marked by perseverance and consistent performances, which eventually earned him a place in the Pakistan A and domestic sides.
2. Breakthrough in domestic cricket
Ghulam’s major success came during the 2020–21 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s first domestic first-class competition. Playing for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he scored a record-breaking 1,249 runs in a season, the highest by any player in the history of the tournament. That performance was instrumental in establishing his credentials as a solid middle-order batter who can anchor innings or accelerate when needed.
3. Sequence and technique
One of Ghulam’s greatest strengths is his consistent run-scoring ability. Known for his calm approach and solid technique, he has been a reliable batsman in domestic cricket. His ability to play both spin and pace with ease made him a valuable asset, especially in conditions favoring swing or turn. A strong back-foot game helps him handle shorter deliveries, while his composure against spin makes him a reliable medium bowler.
4. Recognition at the 2020 PCB Awards
For his stellar performance and consistency in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Ghulam was adjudged the Domestic Cricketer of the Year at the 2020 PCB Awards. He finished with 1249 runs in 20 innings at an excellent average of 62.45.
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5. International debut and selection
It should be noted that in November 2021, Ghulam was included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Bangladesh. In February 2022, he was selected as a substitute in Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Australia. In 2023, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand in January. With Babar sidelined due to a drop 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 that his consistent approach and ability to play long innings can provide the needed balance in the batting line-up. With the match being played in a spin-friendly environment 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 is the mainstay of Pakistan’s batting line-up. 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 into international glory.
8. Future prospects
A successful debut in the second Test against England could pave the way for Ghulam to become a regular in Pakistan’s Test side. With his ability to build shots and adapt to different situations, he has the potential to be a key player across formats for Pakistan. Given his skills, Ghulam has a long career ahead of him and this opportunity could be the start of a promising international journey.
