Kamran Ghulam Denied Debut Cap Despite Playing in First ODI

Pakistan all-rounder Kamran Ghulam expressed his disappointment over not receiving his debut cap during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne. Ghulam, who made a century on his Test debut last month, was part of the playing XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, where Pakistan narrowly lost the series opener.

Prior to his Test debut against England last month, where he replaced star batter Babar Azam, Ghulam had only played one international match. He made his ODI debut as a concussion substitute against New Zealand in Karachi on January 13, 2023, but did not get to bat or bowl.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ghulam recalled the events leading up to the first ODI in Melbourne. He revealed that Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan informed him that he would not be receiving a cap as he had already made his ODI debut last year.

"I was eagerly waiting, hoping that I'd get my debut ODI cap. But, Rizwan told me that 'you've already made your debut, so you won't be getting a cap'. My debut was in a concussion situation, but I was neither a bowler nor a batter. Haris Sohail had a concussion, although he went on to bat after that. I fielded for 50 overs," Ghulam said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan named an unchanged side for the second ODI in Adelaide, with fast bowler Naseem Shah declared fit after leaving the field during the first match with a cramp. Australia made one change, bringing in veteran Josh Hazlewood in place of Sean Abbott to join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short opened the batting for Australia in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. They will be keen to make an impact after falling cheaply in the opening match.

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