Cricket

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.

Kamran Ghulam's baptism by fire on Australian soil proved to be a baptism by fire indeed. The Pakistani batsman, playing only his second ODI, faced the daunting task of navigating the bouncy tracks of Melbourne against a formidable Australian bowling attack.Ghulam's debut innings began promisingly, with a crisp boundary off Adam Zampa's flighted delivery. However, the joy was short-lived as he soon found himself facing the wily Pat Cummins.Cummins, with his trademark precision, tested Ghulam's technique with a series of probing deliveries. Ghulam's mistimed pull shot and subsequent "wait on" drew a wry smile from the Australian captain.The decisive moment came when Cummins unleashed a venomous short ball that was aimed directly at Ghulam's head. The Pakistani batsman, caught off guard by the pace and trajectory, could only watch in horror as the ball took off his glove and flew straight into the waiting hands of Josh Inglis.Ghulam's dismissal was a testament to the relentless pressure applied by the Australian bowlers. Pakistan, struggling against the precision bowling, were eventually bundled out for a paltry 203, with Mitchell Starc and Cummins claiming three and two wickets respectively.Ghulam's experience in Melbourne highlights the challenges faced by young batsmen making the transition to international cricket. The flat pitches of Pakistan offer a stark contrast to the bouncy tracks of Australia, and the quality of bowling is second to none.Despite the setback, Ghulam's performance showed glimpses of his potential. His ability to hit the ball cleanly and his willingness to take on the short ball suggest that he has the makings of a top-class batsman. With time and experience, he could become a valuable asset to the Pakistani team.

Kamran Ghulam's unwavering determination to represent Pakistan in international cricket has finally borne fruit. After 11 years of toil in domestic cricket, the 29-year-old made a remarkable Test debut, becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a century on his first appearance.Ghulam's journey to the international stage has been marked by patience and perseverance. Despite being repeatedly overlooked for selection, he never lost sight of his dream. "I'd been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up," he said. "I had been waiting for my chance. That's all I thought about."His debut came under immense pressure, replacing the injured Babar Azam. With Pakistan struggling at 19 for 2, Ghulam walked out to face the daunting England spinners. However, he remained unfazed, drawing on his vast experience in domestic cricket.Ghulam's first-class record is impressive, with only 12 players scoring more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since his debut in 2013. His average of nearly 50 places him among the elite batsmen in Pakistan.In his Test debut, Ghulam showcased his aggressive style, banking his shots before lunch and setting the platform for a crucial partnership with Saim Ayub. He then built another solid stand with Mohammad Rizwan, reaching his century with a stylish slap over midwicket off Joe Root.Ghulam's innings of 118, his 17th first-class hundred, was a testament to his hard work and determination. "I've scored a lot of first-class runs," he said. "I didn't care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut."Despite the pressure of replacing a legend like Babar Azam, Ghulam remained focused on giving his best. "Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he's a legend, a very good player," he said. "But I thought I'd give 110% and play with a positive mindset."Ghulam's debut century has not only fulfilled his long-held dream but also given Pakistan a much-needed boost in the ongoing Test series against England. His performance is a reminder that perseverance and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

Pakistan's veteran batter Ahmed Shehzad has expressed outrage over the exclusion of domestic stalwart Kamran Ghulam from the team for the first Test against England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-man squad for the series opener in Multan on October 7, but Ghulam was conspicuously absent.Ghulam has been in prolific form in the domestic circuit, amassing seven centuries in 13 first-class matches for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) since September 2023. Five of those centuries have come this year alone. Despite his impressive performances, Ghulam was overlooked for the Bangladesh Test series earlier this month and has now been dropped from the squad for the England series.Shehzad, who has played 13 Tests for Pakistan, slammed chief selector Mohammad Yousuf for Ghulam's exclusion. He questioned Yousuf's logic, suggesting that Ghulam's omission may be due to the presence of Babar Azam, who also bats at number three."Kamran Ghulam has been ignored because Mohammad Yousuf didn't make him a part of the 15-member squad," Shehzad said in a video posted on social media. "It's hard to understand. How will you justify not picking Kamran and Sahibzada Farhan in the squad? What sin did they commit? Is it because they bat in the same position where Babar bats?"Shehzad also criticized the PCB's selection policy, which he believes is based on fear of failure. "If Saim and Abdullah can be given chances, then why not Kamran and Mohammad Ali?" he asked. "This is a mindless strategy by the Pakistan Cricket Board."Ghulam, 28, has played just one game for Pakistan, an ODI against New Zealand last year, where he did not bat or bowl. However, he has been in impressive form in the ongoing Champions One Day Cup, scoring 248 runs at an average of 49.60 and a strike rate of 100 in five games.Despite his recent performances, Ghulam's exclusion from the Test squad has raised questions about the PCB's selection criteria. Shehzad's criticism highlights the growing frustration among some players and fans over the board's decision-making process.

Markhors continued their dominant run in the ongoing tournament, securing their third consecutive victory with a resounding 92-run triumph over Dolphins in Faisalabad. The victory solidified their position at the summit of the points table.Kamran Ghulam, the Markhors' talismanic batsman, once again proved his mettle with a scintillating century. His 113-run knock off just 110 deliveries, including a 122-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, laid the foundation for Markhors' imposing total of 284 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.Dolphins' bowlers struggled to contain Ghulam's onslaught, with Faheem Ashraf emerging as the pick of the bowlers with four wickets. However, Markhors' batting depth proved too much for Dolphins, as they managed to post a formidable score.In response, Dolphins' chase faltered from the outset. Opener Mohammad Hurraira departed for a golden duck, while Muhammad Akhlaq fell cheaply to Naseem Shah. Captain Saud Shakeel attempted to anchor the innings with a gritty 41, but lacked support from his teammates.Asif Ali provided a brief glimmer of hope with a quickfire 43-ball 50, but Dolphins' batters failed to forge any substantial partnerships. Markhors' bowlers shared the spoils, with each of the six bowlers employed claiming at least one wicket.Dolphins were eventually dismissed for 192 in 43.5 overs, handing Markhors a comprehensive victory. This was Dolphins' second defeat of the tournament, leaving them as the only side yet to register a point.Markhors' all-round performance showcased their strength and depth, while Dolphins' struggles highlighted the need for improvement. As the tournament progresses, Markhors will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while Dolphins will be desperate to break their losing streak and climb up the standings.

In the inaugural match of the Champions One-Day Cup, Markhors, led by Mohammad Rizwan, emerged victorious over Shadab Khan's Panthers by a commanding 160 runs.Panthers, after winning the toss, opted to field first. Markhors' innings was anchored by Kamran Ghulam's masterful 115 off 102 deliveries, laying the foundation for their formidable total of 347 for 6. Abdul Samad's blistering 25-ball 62 in the final overs propelled Markhors to a daunting score.Panthers' chase faltered from the outset as Naseem Shah's incisive opening spell reduced them to 52 for 6. Shah's 3-27, complemented by Shahnawaz Dahani's two wickets, shattered Panthers' hopes of a competitive chase.Despite a valiant 72 from Amad Butt, Panthers were unable to recover from their early collapse. Mubasir Khan and Usama Mir's half-century partnerships provided some resistance, but the Markhors' dominance was unyielding.The victory marked a successful start for Markhors in the tournament, while Panthers will seek redemption in their upcoming matches. The opening game showcased the high-octane action and competitive spirit that the Champions One-Day Cup promises to deliver.

Pakistan's Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh has undergone significant changes, with the recall of Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Aamir Jamal. The trio had been released from the squad for the first Test but have now been brought back to bolster the team's performance.Abrar Ahmed, a leg-spinner known for his exceptional control and ability to extract turn on subcontinent pitches, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options. He has been in impressive form, contributing in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh 'A' at the Islamabad Club from August 20 to 23.Kamran Ghulam, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. He has also been in good form, contributing to Pakistan Shaheens' performance in the four-day match.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test. His return will provide a significant boost to the bowling attack.Aamir Jamal, an emerging all-rounder with promising potential, has been recalled to the squad, although his participation in the second Test will depend on his fitness clearance. He had been working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after being released from the squad earlier.The changes to the squad come after Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Test cricket through a ten-wicket win in the series opener at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory was largely due to the stellar show from spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back in the second Test and level the series. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3.

Pakistan's decision to exclude leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam from their 17-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh has drawn criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali. Ali believes that the selectors should have included a genuine spinner in the squad, especially considering the predicted rain during the match.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad on Saturday, opting for an all-out pace attack with Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the charge. Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shehzad, and Mir Hamza will provide support. However, Ali argues that the management has failed to consider the conditions and should have included a specialist spinner."A genuine spinner should have been in the squad," Ali said. "The management has failed to read the conditions. Rain is predicted, and a spinner would have been crucial."Abrar and Kamran have been released to play for Pakistan Shaheens in a four-day game against Bangladesh 'A' starting Tuesday. The PCB stated that Abrar needs match practice ahead of the second Test, which begins on August 30. Both players will rejoin the Test squad before the second match.Pakistan last played a Test with an all-pace attack in 2019 against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is now the only spin option available for the first Test. Agha has been consistent in Test matches since 2023, claiming crucial wickets for Pakistan.The decision to drop Abrar and Kamran has raised questions about Pakistan's strategy for the series. With rain expected, the inclusion of a spinner could have provided a significant advantage. However, the selectors have opted for an aggressive approach, relying on their pace attack to dominate Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a strategic move by releasing spinner Abrar Ahmed and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam from the Pakistan squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. This decision stems from the selectors' preference for an all-pace attack in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship.To ensure that Ahmed and Ghulam maintain match fitness, they have been included in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the second four-day match against Bangladesh 'A', commencing on August 20 at the Islamabad Club. Ghulam has been appointed as the captain of the Shaheens for this encounter.The PCB's decision to release Ahmed and Ghulam from the Test squad is aimed at providing them with valuable match practice ahead of the second Test, which will be played in Karachi from August 30. This move will allow them to regain their rhythm and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Test.As a result of these changes, the Pakistan Test squad has been reduced to 15 players. However, it will revert to its original strength of 17 players after the conclusion of the second four-day match, when Ahmed and Ghulam will rejoin the side for the Karachi Test.Several players have been transferred between the Pakistan Test and Shaheens squads. Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel have joined the Test side, while Mohammad Rameez Jnr has been omitted from the Shaheens squad for the second four-day match.The Shaheens squad for the second four-day match has been bolstered by the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed, Ali Zaryab Asif, Awais Anwar, Imam Ul Haq, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, and Sharoon Siraj. These players will replace the eight players who have joined the Test side.