PAK vs SA : Ramiz Raja sparks controversy with viral ‘drama’ comment on Babar Azam during Lahore Test

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Pakistan’s superstar batter Babar Azam returned to international cricket in the first Test against South Africa in Lahore but struggled for runs, scoring 23 off 48 balls on Day 1. His innings followed a dramatic start when he survived a caught-behind appeal thanks to the DRS.

While fans cheered his return to the crease after captain Shan Masood’s dismissal, controversy erupted when former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was overheard making a bizarre off-air comment during the review. The comment quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. Babar eventually reached 23 before being dismissed, but the spotlight shifted momentarily from cricket to the commentary booth.

During Pakistan’s innings at Gaddafi Stadium, Babar was on 1 when he was given out caught behind off Senuran Muthusamy. As Babar called for a DRS review, Ramiz, part of the commentary panel, was caught on the microphone saying: ‘Yeh out hoga, drama karega’ (He will be out. He’ll create drama). Replays showed no edge and Babar survived to continue his innings. However, the remark quickly circulated on social media, with users expressing surprise and criticism.

Despite the controversy, Babar’s return marked an important moment for Pakistan cricket. His 23-run knock came in a crucial situation, following Shan Masood’s 76 and Imam-ul-Haq’s 93, helping Pakistan reach 313/5 at the close of Day 1. Notably, Babar also became the first Asian batter to score 3,000 runs in the World Test Championship during this innings. Mohammad Rizwan (62*) and Salman Agha (52) were at the crease, providing stability for Pakistan. While Babar didn’t convert his start into a big score, his experience and temperament were evident in handling pressure situations. The series marks his return to international cricket after being left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, giving fans hope of his leadership and form returning in upcoming games.

Ramiz Raza commenting on babar azam during DRS call and saying “ ye out hoga drama karega ye”

No respect for Babar Azam.#PAKvsSA

— Cric mate (@Cricknight07) October 12, 2025

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Pakistan began the first innings strongly after electing to bat, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam laying the foundation, although Shafique was dismissed early for 2 by Kagiso Rabada, leaving the hosts at 2/1. Masood, the captain, then anchored the innings with a measured 76 off 147 balls before being trapped lbw by Prenelan Subrayen at 163/2. Imam played a patient knock of 93, showing excellent technique and concentration, only to fall to Muthusamy as Pakistan reached 199/3, which marked a mini-collapse when Saud Shakeel (0) and Babar (23) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Pakistan teetering at 199/5.

Rizwan counter-attacked brilliantly with a 75-run contribution, supported by Salman’s clinical 93, and together they rebuilt the innings to take Pakistan past 350. Rizwan fell at 362, quickly followed by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, but Shaheen Afridi (7) and Hasan Ali (0*) helped add crucial runs to close the innings at 378 all out in 110.4 overs, with Muthusamy claiming a career-best 6-wicket haul, while Subrayen and Harmer also contributed with two and one wickets respectively. Extras accounted for 9 runs, highlighting disciplined bowling by South Africa but the hosts dominated the scoreboard with aggressive yet calculated strokeplay, especially from Rizwan and Agha. South Africa began their reply cautiously, with captain Aiden Markram falling early for 20 to Noman, leaving them at 51/1 in 14overs, trailing by 327 runs. Ryan Rickelton (24*) and Wiaan Mulder (1*) steadied the innings, showing patience against Shaheen.

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