Ramiz Raja’s Comment on Babar Azam During Live Match Triggers Online Outcry
Ramiz Raja’s viral on-air comment about Babar Azam triggers major backlash.
A fiery controversy erupted in Pakistan cricket during the first Test against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, as former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja allegedly mocked captain Babar Azam on-air. The incident occurred on Day 1 during a tense Decision Review System (DRS) moment in the 48th over, when Babar, batting on one run, faced a caught-behind appeal off South African spinner Senuran Muthusamy. Social media erupted with clips of Raja’s purported remark, “Haan haan yeh abh drama karega” (If this is given out, he’ll create drama), as Babar awaited the DRS outcome, which confirmed no edge, allowing him to stay at the crease. The comment, unverified by TimesofIndia.com, has sparked widespread debate, with fans and analysts divided over whether Raja’s quip was playful or disrespectful to Pakistan’s batting talisman.
The incident unfolded in a high-stakes moment of the match, with Pakistan navigating a challenging South African bowling attack. Babar, known for his elegant strokeplay, had been steady, alternating between confident forward defenses and deep-in-the-crease play to counter the turning deliveries from Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj. The appeal came when Muthusamy’s ball pitched and spun away, prompting South Africa to challenge the on-field umpire’s not-out call. UltraEdge replays vindicated Babar, showing no contact, but Raja’s remark during the review process—captured in viral social media posts—cast a shadow over his composed innings. The comment, perceived by some as a jab at Babar’s temperament, has fueled criticism of Raja, a former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, for potentially undermining the national captain during a critical Test match.
Babar went on to score a polished 23 runs off 48 balls, showcasing his trademark finesse with a crisp boundary through mid-on off Muthusamy and adept footwork against spin. His innings, though brief, displayed resilience under pressure, with soft hands and precise positioning to blunt South Africa’s spin threat. However, the mounting pressure from the spinners eventually led to his dismissal, caught by Temba Bavuma at short leg off Maharaj, ending a promising knock. Pakistan, buoyed by half-centuries from Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel, closed Day 1 strongly at 313/5, with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar’s replacement, Saim Ayub, unbeaten at stumps. The team’s robust performance, including 17 boundaries and three sixes, kept them firmly in control against a South African side struggling to contain Pakistan’s middle order on a pitch offering moderate turn.
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The controversy has reignited discussions about the dynamics between Pakistan’s cricketing legends and its current stars. Raja, a respected voice in cricket commentary with a history of candid opinions, has yet to address the incident, leaving fans to speculate on his intent. Some defend the remark as light-hearted banter common in South Asian commentary, while others view it as unprofessional, especially given Babar’s stature as Pakistan’s linchpin, with over 4,000 Test runs at an average of 45. Critics point to Raja’s past critiques of Babar’s leadership during his PCB tenure, suggesting underlying tensions. Social media platforms, particularly X, have amplified the debate, with hashtags like #BabarVsRamiz trending and fans posting memes juxtaposing Raja’s comment with Babar’s composed demeanor during the DRS review.
As Pakistan aims to build on their strong Day 1 position, the off-field drama threatens to overshadow their on-field success. The first Test, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, is crucial for Pakistan’s aspirations to climb the rankings, with South Africa’s potent pace-spin combination posing a stern challenge. Babar, who has faced scrutiny over his form in recent months, remains a focal point, with his 23 runs signaling a potential return to fluency. Whether Raja’s comment was a fleeting quip or a deeper jab, it has exposed the pressures on Pakistan’s captain and the intense scrutiny within the country’s cricket ecosystem. As Day 2 looms, all eyes are on Babar to lead with the bat and silence his critics, while the cricketing world awaits Raja’s response to the viral storm.
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