Kamran Ghulam, Pakistan’s new No. 4 batter, made headlines with a stunning century on his Test debut, replacing the out-of-form Babar Azam in the second Test against England in Multan. While Ghulam’s brilliant knock of 118 off 224 balls impressed everyone, an old video of him being slapped by teammate Haris Rauf during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match in 2022 has resurfaced, sparking renewed interest.
In the viral video, Ghulam, playing for Lahore Qalandars, was slapped by fast bowler Haris Rauf during a celebration after a wicket. Although Ghulam laughed it off, the intensity of the slap raised eyebrows, and the incident left a mixed reaction among viewers. The clip has now gone viral again, coinciding with Ghulam’s milestone performance in international cricket.
Kamran Ghulam’s Impactful Test Debut
After waiting nearly four years for his opportunity, Ghulam’s patience and persistence in domestic cricket paid off as he became the 13th Pakistani batter to score a century on Test debut. His century came at a crucial time for Pakistan on a challenging wicket, as the team ended Day 1 with a total of 259 for 5. Ghulam’s innings helped Pakistan recover and take a solid position in the match.
Reflecting on his debut century, Ghulam spoke about the pressure he faced replacing a player of Babar Azam’s stature but emphasized that his hunger to succeed helped him overcome it. “Yes, the pressure was there playing in Babar’s place, but my desire to succeed was stronger,” Ghulam told the media.
The right-hander credited his success to the years he spent honing his skills in domestic cricket, which he believes prepared him to perform on the international stage. “It has been frustrating waiting for nearly four years to finally get a chance to play for Pakistan. Grinding it out in domestic cricket has given me the temperament and skills to handle all kinds of pitches and bowlers.”
A Test Century with Added Significance
Ghulam’s century couldn’t have come at a better time for Pakistan, as the selectors and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced criticism for dropping Babar Azam after his dip in form. The young batter’s impressive debut has not only silenced those doubts but has also bolstered Pakistan’s middle order.
A national selector expressed relief, saying, “I am just happy that Kamran Ghulam finally got his chance and grabbed it with both hands.” Ghulam’s determined performance may well have cemented his place in the team for future series, as he continues to build on his remarkable debut.
