In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Pakistan cricket history, Kamran Ghulam spectacularly marked his Test debut with a sterling century, becoming only the 13th Pakistani player to achieve such a feat. As the sun set over Multan on Tuesday, October 15, the celebratory tone of Ghulam’s story unfolded not only as a personal triumph but also as a testament to perseverance against a backdrop of anticipation and setbacks.
Ghulam’s journey to the center of the cricket world was anything but smooth. Patterns of being selected and subsequently omitted from squads characterized his odyssey—a narrative all too familiar yet personally taxing for the determined cricketer. Each selection sparked hope, each omission stoked the fires of determination. “I’d been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up,” Ghulam revealed, embodying the steadfast resolve that eventually led to his momentous achievement. “All I used to think about was how to take the chance I’d been given.”
Walking onto the field with the scorecard reading a precarious 19/2, Ghulam faced not only the opposition but the weight of expectations and the shadows of missed opportunities. Partnering with opener Saim Ayub, his entry required nothing short of a heroic effort. Adding to the pressures were the whispers and critiques surrounding his selection to bat at the crucial number four position—a slot once graced by none other than Babar Azam during his illustrious time with the Test team.
Despite the challenges, Ghulam held an ace up his sleeve—the invaluable grind of first-class cricket. Years of honing his skills in less glamorous settings became the foundation upon which his Test innings stood. “When I came to the wicket we’d lost two wickets.
. But I wanted to play with a positive mind like I do in first-class cricket,” he confessed, revealing the tactical mindset that guided his innings. Remaining true to his natural style of play, Ghulam navigated the ocean of challenges with a fortified spirit, determined to make every delivery count.
The narrative of Ghulam’s Test debut is one of intense preparation meeting opportunity. “I’ve scored a lot of first-class runs,” Ghulam emphasized, underscoring the journey that many promising cricketers undertake silently before the spotlight finds them. “I didn’t care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut.” His words echo a deep-seated focus and an unrelenting pursuit of success that transcends the cosmetic allure of cricket’s biggest stages.
This debut century was more than just a personal achievement—it was an exhibition of resolve built on the bedrock of unwavering hard work. Ghulam reflected on this when he gratefully stated, “I knew I had a lot of hard work behind me, and thankfully that work has paid off for me.” The applause that met his boundary-struck century was not only a recognition of the runs but a tribute to the perseverance that produced them.
As Ghulam adds his name to a distinguished list of debut centurions for Pakistan, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a reminder to all—sometimes the path to success is paved with patience and persistence. His achievement resonates well beyond the cricketing boundaries and into the hearts of fans and players alike who cherish not just the game but the journey it entails.
In the broader context of sports and life itself, Kamran Ghulam’s Test debut and subsequent triumph underscore an eternal truth: real success is often neither immediate nor easy, but deeply rewarding for those who dare to endure and dream. As the gears of his cricketing career now turn more smoothly, hopeful eyes turn to Ghulam—and all those who walk a similar path—aspiring to see what great stories unfold next.
