Throwback: When Haris Rauf slapped Babar Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam who shone on Test debut

Kamran Ghulam marked his Test debut with a sensational performance, helping Pakistan recover from a shaky start against England on October 15, 2024. Coming in at a precarious 19/2 on Day 1, the 29-year-old played a composed and crucial knock, scoring 118 off 224 deliveries before being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir. His century not only etched his name in history but also showcased his ability to handle pressure at the highest level.

Ghulam’s remarkable debut drew widespread praise from fans and experts. Even Babar Azam, who Ghulam replaced for the match, congratulated him on Instagram for the memorable knock. Ghulam became the 13th Pakistani to score a century on debut, and the second player to do so while batting at the No. 4 position in his maiden Test.

Comparisons with Babar Azam

With Babar being rested following a lean patch in Test cricket, fans quickly began comparing Ghulam’s performance with that of the former Pakistan captain. Over the last two years, Babar has struggled to meet the high expectations set by his earlier exploits in the longer format. Ghulam’s instant success sparked discussions about his potential to become a key figure for Pakistan, while some questioned whether Babar’s absence might open new opportunities for emerging talents.

The Haris Rauf Slap Incident Resurfaces

Amid the celebrations surrounding Ghulam’s debut, fans also recalled a light-hearted yet viral moment involving him and Haris Rauf from the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL). The incident occurred during a match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, where both Ghulam and Rauf were playing for the Qalandars.

After taking a wicket, Rauf was frustrated from an earlier dropped catch by Ghulam and he playfully slapped his teammate during the celebration. Despite the unexpected gesture, Ghulam responded with laughter, diffusing the moment and continuing to celebrate with Rauf and the rest of the team.