WATCH: South African commentator mocks Pakistan players’ ability to speak English on second day of Test in Cape Town
Day two of the second Test in between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town, there was an unexpected twist when a South African commentator made disparaging remarks about the English-speaking abilities of Pakistani cricketers. The incident not only sparked controversy but also shifted the focus from the action on the field to issues of respect and professionalism in cricket commentary.
The controversial moment happened during the sixth over of Pakistan’s second innings, as Kamran Ghulam defended the delivery of Marco Jansen and loudly shouted “Wait” to his partner, Babar Azam. The commentator took this opportunity to share an anecdote about playing with the Pakistani batsman Khurram Mansoor in Abu Dhabi. He noticed that Manzoor, like many other Pakistani players, called loudly in English on the field but struggled to communicate fluently in English during post-match interviews. The comment was followed by laughter, creating the impression of mockery directed at the Pakistani players’ linguistic abilities.
Here is the video:
A South African commentator mocks the Pakistani players for their English speaking skills.
This is bullying on live TV to say the least and should not be tolerated at all.
Listen carefully👇👇👇@ICC @TheRealPCB #PakistanCricket #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/ptJc3zNlzP
— Cric Doctor (@CricDoctor_) January 4, 2025
Marc Jansen’s Magic: The Fall of Kamran Ghulam
On the next ball after the incident, Jansen picked the key wicket of Ghulam, Bowling around the wicket, Jansen delivered a sharp full-length delivery, targeting the stumps. Khurram, unsure of his feet, was caught rooted to the crease and attempted a defensive shot. However, the ball went through the narrow gap between his bat and pad, hitting the stumps in spectacular fashion. The combination of late movement and Jansen’s accuracy proved too much of a challenge for Khurram. This dismissal highlighted Jansen’s ability to create awkward angles and exploit weaknesses in Pakistan’s batting. With Pakistan reduced to 18/3, Jansen’s double strike left the visitors in deep trouble.
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South African dominance over Pakistan in Cape Town Test
The second Test between South Africa and Pakistan has so far seen an excellent performance from South Africa, who posted their first innings with a massive 615, thanks to Ryan Rickelton’s 259th marathon and crucial century of Kyle Verreynne. South Africa’s innings was highlighted by partnerships that dampened Pakistan’s bowling attack, which struggled in the absence of top pacers. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Shahzad. Despite the penetrations from Mohammad Abbas and Agha SalmanPakistan failed to capitalize on the early wickets, allowing the hosts to dictate terms.
In reply, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing Shan Masood for only 2 i Saud Shakeel for a duck, both dismissed by the fireman Kagiso Rabada. Jansen added to Pakistan’s woes, removing Ghulam early in the innings. At stumps on the second day, Pakistan found themselves precarious set at 64/3, still trailing by 551 runswith Babar (31 not out) i Mohammad Rizwan (9 is not out) with the task of restoring the changes.
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