The opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed not just Pakistan’s steady batting effort but also an unexpected controversy involving former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja. During the afternoon session, Raja’s off-microphone remark about skipper Babar Azam went viral and drew criticism online.
Ramiz Raja’s Off-Mic Comment on Babar Azam Sparks Controversy
The moment unfolded when Babar, batting on just one, was given out caught behind off spinner Senuran Muthusamy in the 49th over. Confident that he hadn’t nicked the ball, Babar immediately opted for a review. During the third umpire’s inspection, Raja was overheard saying, “Yeh out hai, drama karega” (“He is out, he’ll just create drama”), a comment that wasn’t meant for broadcast but was still captured in the background audio feed.
“𝑯𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂” — 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒛 𝑹𝒂𝒋𝒂’𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅
The review ultimately showed no edge, leading to the on-field decision being overturned and proving Babar right. However, fans were quick to express their disapproval of Raja’s comment, labeling it disrespectful toward Pakistan’s captain. As of now, the veteran commentator hasn’t issued any official statement or apology regarding the incident.
Pakistan Ends Day 1 in Commanding Position
Despite the controversy, Pakistan finished Day 1 on a strong note. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Imam-ul-Haq (93) and Shan Masood (76) put on an impressive 161-run partnership for the second wicket.
“𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎,” 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚’𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚.
Both batters narrowly missed their centuries, and their dismissals triggered a brief collapse. Nonetheless, Pakistan closed the day in a dominant position, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the match.
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