Cricketer-turned-commentator and former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja, landed in controversy on day 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa.

The match is being played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where his off-microphone comment about star batter Babar Azam was caught on broadcast and went viral on social media.

The incident happened on the first ball of the 49th over when Babar, batting on one, was given out caught behind off Senuran Muthusamy.

As he took the DRS, Raja, who was part of the commentary team, was heard saying, “yeh out hay, drama karega” (this is out, now he’ll do drama).

The remark wasn’t on the live commentary feed but was picked up by other microphones., which generated strong reactions from Babar’s fans online who slammed Raja for insulting the batter.

Later, replays showed there was no edge, and the umpire’s decision was overturned.

Green caps had earlier won the toss and decided to bat first. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood gave a strong start with a 161-run stand. Imam scored 93 and Masood 76 before both got out, leading to a middle-order collapse.

Pakistan slipped from 163 for 1 to 199 for 5. Babar Azam, who came in at a crucial time, failed again, scoring just 23 off 48 balls before being dismissed by Simon Harmer.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha later rescued the team, adding an unbeaten 114-run stand. Pakistan ended Day 1 at 313 for 5, with Rizwan on 62 and Agha on 52.

This Test marks Pakistan’s first match in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.