PAK vs SA: Babar Azam fans cheer Pakistan captain Shan Masood’s dismissal to see star batter at crease
A rare sight unfolded on day one of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday when home fans cheered the dismissal of their own captain, Shan Masood.
The reason: Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter and fan favourite, was next at the crease.
The stadium erupted in applause and cheering as the former skipper walked in, though he fell soon after tea for 23.
Masood, who made 76 runs in a 161-run second wicket stand with Imam ul-Haq (93), was given out leg-before to Prenelan Subrayen in the second session, but he decided to review the decision.
Surprisingly, the majority of the crowd who were present at the ground cheered when the big screen showed the umpire’s decision to be right, and Masood trudged back to the pavillion.
The reaction to Masood’s dismissal and welcome for Babar even prompted South African commentator, Shaun Pollock, to express amazement and remark that someone needs to remind the crowd that you don’t do this with your captain.
A sizeable number of people were at the stadium since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had allowed free entry to three to four enclosures in a bid to attract more spectators.
Published on Oct 12, 2025
