PAK vs AUS: 'This is not Multan pitch baby, it is MCG", Kamran Ghulam teased by commentators in first ODI against Australia

In the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Pakistan faced early trouble, barely crossing the 200-run mark with a total of 203 in 46.4 overs.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan was the standout performer, narrowly missing his half-century, scoring 44 off 71 balls. Naseem Shah also added crucial runs, scoring 40 off 39 deliveries which also included four massive sixes. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with few able to withstand Australia’s relentless bowling attack.

Kamran Ghulam, who had raised expectations after a remarkable century in Pakistan's recent Test against England, fell for just 5 runs. Facing Pat Cummins' sharp bouncer, Ghulam attempted a risky shot and was dismissed early, sparking a stir both on the field and off.

Australian commentator Kerry O'Keefe stoked controversy with his remark, “This is not Multan Pitch, Baby; it’s the MCG,” mocking Ghulam’s inability to handle the pace. Fans took to social media to condemn the comment as distasteful, seeing it as an unnecessary dig at the Pakistani batter.

Further controversy arose when Wasim Akram and Michael Vaughan discussed Ghulam’s family background, noting that he was the 11th of 12 brothers and four sisters. Vaughan’s remark about the family size was met with criticism, as fans deemed the conversation disrespectful and irrelevant to the game.

Wasim Akram: "Kamran Ghulam, comes from a big family, he is the 11th of 12 brothers and 4 sisters. Yup."

Michael Vaughan: "16 Kids. Wow! What's the age gap, that's of interest.