The announcement of Kamran Ghulam replacing Babar Azam in Pakistan’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against England has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Many fans are left bewildered by this controversial decision. How could a cricketer with no international experience suddenly take the place of one of the modern game’s biggest superstars? Is this an example of bold cricketing vision or simply a desperate gamble by Pakistan’s selectors? Let’s break it down.
Who is Kamran Ghulam?
For those unfamiliar with Kamran Ghulam, he is a 28-year-old middle-order batsman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He has been a force to be reckoned with in the domestic circuit, amassing runs consistently for his team. In the 2020-21 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Ghulam created history by scoring the most runs in a single season, amassing 1,249 runs at an average of 62.45, including five centuries and five fifties. His performances earned him the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Domestic Cricketer of the Year award in 2021.
While those statistics might be impressive, critics argue that excelling in domestic cricket is one thing, but making an international debut against a side like England, especially at a time when the team is struggling, is quite another. The pressure of stepping into Babar Azam’s shoes—Pakistan’s captain, prolific run-scorer, and global icon—presents an entirely different challenge.
The Elephant in the Room: Dropping Babar Azam
Perhaps the most incendiary part of this selection is not that Kamran Ghulam was chosen, but that he’s replacing Babar Azam. Even a casual cricket fan knows that Babar is the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up. Dropping him for any player, let alone an untested debutant, is bound to cause controversy.
Pakistan’s cricket management has claimed this move is part of “resting key players,” but is that really the case? Some insiders suggest that Babar has been frustrated with the team’s poor performances in recent months, both as a player and a captain. There have been murmurs of disagreements between him and the PCB, leading to speculation that this “rest” might actually be a form of punishment or political maneuvering behind the scenes.
Even if the decision is purely based on Babar’s form—he had a relatively quiet 1st Test against England—it is hard to justify sidelining a player of his caliber, especially when he has carried Pakistan on his back in recent times. Could there be more to this than just cricketing decisions?
A Calculated Risk or a Blunder in the Making?
The Pakistani selectors are taking a huge risk by throwing Kamran Ghulam into the deep end. No doubt, Ghulam has earned his spot through domestic heroics, but the step up to Test cricket is notoriously steep. Playing against a disciplined and relentless England bowling attack, who are on a high after dominating the 1st Test, is no easy task.
It’s one thing to experiment with a youngster in a dead rubber match, but to do so in a crucial Test—where Pakistan are on the verge of losing the series—is raising many eyebrows. The selectors seem to be pinning their hopes on a long shot, perhaps in the hope that a fresh face might turn Pakistan’s fortunes around. But is this too much pressure to place on a debutant? If Ghulam fails, it could ruin his confidence, potentially ending his career before it even begins.
Public Backlash and Divided Opinion
Pakistan is a country where cricket is almost a religion. Naturally, the decision to drop Babar Azam and include Kamran Ghulam has sparked outrage among fans. Social media is flooded with posts from furious fans demanding explanations from the PCB. #BringBackBabar has been trending, while others are calling for heads to roll in the selection committee.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who believe Kamran Ghulam deserves his chance. They argue that relying too heavily on one player, like Babar, is unhealthy for the team. Introducing new blood and providing opportunities to rising stars is essential for long-term success. For these supporters, Ghulam represents a potential future star of Pakistan cricket, and his debut could herald the dawn of a new era.
The Bigger Picture: Politics in Pakistan Cricket?
This selection decision has also revived the ever-present debate about politics and favoritism in Pakistan cricket. Some fans believe that Babar’s exclusion is not just about performance, but could be influenced by internal power struggles within the PCB. It wouldn’t be the first time that a captain has been sidelined due to non-cricketing reasons.
Kamran Ghulam’s rise, too, has come under scrutiny, with conspiracy theories circulating about how he was able to jump the queue ahead of other promising players who have been toiling away in domestic cricket for years. Whether these claims hold any weight or not, the lack of transparency from the PCB only fuels further speculation.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Kamran Ghulam
Kamran Ghulam’s debut against England is now a much-anticipated event, not just for the player himself, but for what it represents for Pakistan cricket. It’s not just a Test match—it’s a statement. Will Ghulam rise to the occasion and justify the faith placed in him, or will this move backfire, causing further chaos in an already tumultuous cricket setup?
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: Kamran Ghulam’s name is now etched into the complex and often dramatic narrative of Pakistan cricket. Whether he becomes a hero or a scapegoat remains to be seen. But for now, all we can do is wait and watch.