Ramiz Raja has long been one of the most recognisable voices in Pakistani cricket. A former opening batter and captain, he has worn many hats — player, administrator and now commentator. While admired for his eloquence and deep understanding of the game, Ramiz Raja often finds himself in the middle of controversies. His outspoken nature and sharp remarks have made him a polarising figure, loved by some for his honesty and criticised by others for crossing the line.
During the second day of the Pakistan-South Africa Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Ramiz Raja stirred debate once again. As spinner Noman Ali bowled in his sunglasses, Ramiz Raja commented on air that Noman Ali’s glasses looked like welding goggles. The remark, though seemingly light-hearted, quickly caught fire on social media, with many fans accusing him of disrespecting the player.
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This came just a day after Ramiz Raja had faced heavy backlash for another comment directed at star batter Babar Azam. When Babar reviewed a caught-behind decision against Senuran Muthusamy, Ramiz Raja was faintly heard saying that Babar was about to “act dramatically”. The words might not have been meant for broadcast but the audio leaked through, spreading rapidly online and overshadowing the day’s play.
On the field, however, Pakistan’s spinners were the real story. Noman Ali led the charge, taking four wickets to limit South Africa to 216 for 6 on a pitch that favored turners. Tony de Zorzi stood firm for the visitors with an unbeaten 81, keeping his side in the contest. Earlier, South Africa’s Muthusamy shone with the ball, claiming a career-best six wickets to bowl Pakistan out for 378.
As the Test progressed, spinners from both the teams dominated every session, taking all eleven wickets on the second day. While fans are debating Ramiz Raja’s words off the field, the game is in an interesting situation as the Proteas could manage only 269 in their first innings and with the help of 43/2 in the second innings, Pakistan has managed a lead of 152 in the test match.
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