Shaan Masood was named India’s captain midway through the IND-WI Test by Sean Pollock in a blunder

While talking about veteran Pakistani batsman Babar Azam, former South Africa spinner Shaun Pollock mistakenly referred to Pakistan captain Shan Masood as ‘Captain India’.

Pakistan host South Africa in a two-match Test series at home, with the first match starting in Lahore today. Veteran Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have returned to play for the Pakistan national team.

The excitement around Babar Azam reached its peak on the first day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium. Even former South Africa player Sean Pollock found himself in a state of euphoria.

Sean Pollock calls Shan Masood ‘Captain of India’

The crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium had to wait a bit before they could catch a glimpse of Babar Azam, as after the fall of the first wicket, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq produced a stunning 161-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, the wait came to an end when Brenilan Subrian sent off Masood (76) in the 48th minute of the match, sending Babar into the net. As soon as the wicket fell, the crowd broke out in a huge chant of “Babar, Babar”.

Even before Masood’s wicket actually fell, the Pakistan team’s crowd erupted whenever there were appeals from the South African bowlers. This raised doubts about the former South African captain. However, he also made a mistake, calling Shan Masood ‘India’s captain’.

Sean Bullock

“I can’t believe they (the fans) want the Pakistan captain to come out just to see Babar Azam at the crease” 😭😭pic.twitter.com/qov8q8Fssq

– Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 12, 2025

“I can’t believe they want Shan Masood, the India captain, out just to push Babar to the line. I think we need to talk to these fans,” Pollock said on air.

Pakistani supporters in Lahore come carrying “King Babar” posters

Babar Azam returns to play for Pakistan after missing the 2025 Asian Cup, for the first test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A number of Gaddafi supporters came to Gaddafi Stadium carrying posters bearing the name “King Babar” as they waited for their star to return.

This was his first appearance since he last played in international cricket in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. Talking about the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the hosts won the toss and chose to bat first.

This game also marked the long-awaited return of Mohammad Rizwan to the Pakistan national team, as he also missed the 2025 Asia Cup. However, the series marked the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle for the Proteas.

A promising return for Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Agha after Babar’s ugly upset

After dismissing Abdullah Shafiq for just two runs, Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Shan Masood put together a crucial 150-plus-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Masoud and Imam-ul-Haq were dismissed in quick succession.

Babar Azam makes his long-awaited return to the longest format in the game; However, he was dismissed for just 23 innings. With Pakistan once again collapsing by five wickets in no time, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha contributed a century partnership for the sixth wicket.

However, Pakistan were rescued in dangerous conditions by their batsmen as they crossed 300 in the first innings on the first day of the Lahore Test.

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