Introduction to the Incident
During the opening Test match between Pakistan and South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja made a remark that quickly went viral. The comment occurred on Day 1 of the match while Raja was providing live commentary on the game.
The Moment That Stirred Controversy
The incident took place in the 48th over’s very first ball, bowled by South African left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy. Pakistan captain Babar Azam was at the crease, having scored just one run, when he faced the delivery. The ball pitched and spun away from Babar as he attempted to defend it, prompting an appeal for a caught-behind dismissal.
The Review and Umpire’s Decision
The on-field umpire ruled Babar not out, judging there was no edge on the ball. South Africa immediately challenged the decision by opting for the Decision Review System (DRS). Upon reviewing the footage, the evidence confirmed that Babar had not edged the ball, allowing him to continue his innings.
Ramiz Raja’s Remark and Social Media Reaction
During the DRS review, Ramiz Raja was caught on the microphone saying in Urdu, “Haan haan yeh abh drama karega” (If this is given out, he’ll create drama). This comment quickly spread across social media, sparking debates among cricket fans. While the clip gained traction, reputable sources like Times of India could not verify the full context of Raja’s statement. Additionally, Raja has yet to publicly address the controversy.
Babar Azam’s Performance Amid Pressure
Despite the distraction, Babar Azam maintained composure throughout his innings. His technique against the spinning attack was solid, combining precise footwork and soft hands to counter the turn. He scored 23 runs off 48 balls, including a beautifully timed boundary through mid-on off Muthusamy’s bowling.
Pakistan’s Strong Finish on Day One
Pakistan ended the first day of the Test on a positive note, posting a respectable total of 313 runs for the loss of five wickets. The team showed resilience under pressure, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the days ahead.
