"Drama karega": Ramiz Raja fails to hide his contempt for Babar Azam
Controversy erupted right on Day 1 of the Pakistan vs South Africa Test as Shan Masood and his men kicked off their new WTC Cycle at home. Former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja found himself at the centre of the debacle on the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa due to an off-microphone comment. The remark concerned Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, and was inadvertently picked up by the broadcast audio, quickly going viral on social media.
Ramiz Raja mixes up in the commentary box, calls out Babar Azam's 'drama'
The incident took place on the first ball of the 49th over at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Babar Azam at the crease on just 1 run. The former skipper was adjudged caught behind off Senuran Muthusamy. As Babar immediately signaled for a DRS review, Raja, part of the commentary team, seemed irked by Azam's move to demand a review.
"Yeh out hain, drama karega (This is out, now he will be doing drama)," Raza was heard saying in the clips that have now gone viral on the internet.
Although the comment by former PCB Chair was not meant for the live commentary feed, it was audible to viewers. Ironically, replays, showed no edge from Babar’s bat, leading the on-field umpire to reverse the decision. Coming to the match, Pakistan had opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Shan Masood laid a solid foundation with a 161-run partnership. Both, however, fell short of their centuries, with Haq dismissed for 93 and Masood for 76.
No respect for Babar Azam in Pakistan
— Shah (@Shahhoon1) October 12, 2025
When Babar Azam reviewed, Ramiz Raja said, “Ye out hoga, drama karega.”pic.twitter.com/HLKJnyV1he
The fall of these two wickets triggered a middle-order collapse, as Pakistan slumped from 163 for 1 to 199 for 5. Babar Azam walked in during this challenging phase, with the team counting on him to anchor the innings and provide stability. Despite surviving the early DRS scare, he appeared a bit rusty and managed only 23 runs from 48 balls before being dismissed by Simon Harmer in the 60th over.
Following the collapse, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha steadied Pakistan’s innings, carrying the team to stumps on Day 1 with an unbeaten 114-run partnership. Pakistan ended the day at 313/5, with Rizwan unbeaten on 62 and Agha on 52. South Africa, the defending WTC champions, are aiming for a record-extending 11th consecutive Test win. Playing under stand-in captain Aiden Markram in the absence of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas went into the match with three spinners supported by their pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada.
