Kamran Ghulam has been in the news since his surprise exclusion from Pakistan’s squad for the first Test against England. However, Pakistan’s Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, has explained the reason behind this decision.
The match, part of a three-Test series, kicks off in Multan from 7-11 October. And while most fans are eager for the action, Ghulam’s omission has sparked serious discussion.
Kamran Ghulam, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, didn’t make the cut, despite his stellar form. This decision has left both fans and cricket experts scratching their heads, wondering what went wrong.
Read More: Pakistan Cricket Needs More Than a Quick Fix: Former Chief Selector
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) explained the choice by stressing the importance of consistency in selection, but the reasoning hasn’t fully convinced everyone.
Kamran Ghulam: The Hot Topic
The issue reached its boiling point during the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator 1 between the Lions and Stallions. Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt, who was part of the commentary team, couldn’t resist bringing it up.
During a live segment, he asked Gillespie directly, “Tell us about Kamran Ghulam. He’s not in the squad for the first Test even after scoring heaps of runs.”
Gillespie, always calm under pressure, acknowledged Ghulam’s impressive domestic performances, including his solid showing for the Pakistan Shaheens on their tour to Darwin. However, he made it clear that the current squad deserves faith and patience.
“I saw him [Kamran Ghulam] perform with Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin. His form has been acknowledged, but we’re showing faith and patience in our current squad,” Gillespie explained.
He defended his decision, adding that one bad series doesn’t define a player’s ability, referencing Pakistan’s recent loss to Bangladesh.
Read More: Pakistan’s Squad For England Series: Bold Selections Or Safe Bets?
Trusting the Process
Gillespie emphasized the importance of consistency and fitness, while also hinting that future changes might be necessary if performances don’t improve.
“We do not want to make any hasty decisions after one bad series. All these players are skilled; no one loses their ability overnight,” Gillespie stated. His words reflect a desire to avoid knee-jerk reactions and focus on long-term success.
He further added, “A couple of poor series cannot define their potential. We haven’t made too many changes to the squad for the upcoming England series compared to the Bangladesh series, and the fitness issues are manageable.”
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