Ex-Protea captain goofs up on air, calls Shan Masood ‘captain of India’ during Pakistan-South Africa Test

Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock made a hilarious blunder on commentary during Day 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While describing the atmosphere in the stands, Pollock accidentally referred to Pakistan captain Shan Masood as the “captain of India.”

The mix-up happened during Pakistan’s first innings when Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq were building a solid partnership after the early dismissal of opener Abdullah Shafique. The crowd, however, was eager to see their hero Babar Azam, who was returning to international cricket after missing the Asia Cup 2025.

As Masood and Imam added 161 runs for the second wicket, Pollock noticed that fans were cheering whenever South Africa appealed for a wicket. The fans just wanted Babar Azam to come out and bat as soon as possible. It was like how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans get excited when MS Dhoni comes to the crease, not even caring much about the other players batting.

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Netizens make fun of Pollock’s slip-up

Surprised by the crowd’s reaction, Pollock said on air, “I can’t believe they would want Shan Masood, the captain of India, to be out just to get Babar to the crease. Think we need to have a word with these supporters.” The funny slip-up quickly caught attention online, with fans sharing clips of the moment on social media. Many joked about Pollock’s confusion.

Shaun Pollock

"I can't believe that they (crowd) want the captain of Pakistan to get out just to see Babar Azam at the crease" 😭😭pic.twitter.com/qov8q8Fssq

— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 12, 2025

Oh Bhai he said captain of India. 😂😂😂😂

— Mo ☘️ (@m98_ahmed) October 12, 2025

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Sorry guys Shaun Pollock said this on the flow... Captain of India😭

— Basith 🇿🇦 (@Basithsaucy) October 12, 2025

Everywhere it's india..😂

— ESalaCupNamde (@DesiBreakingBad) October 12, 2025

Bruh is missing India. He thought he was in India while commentary. Shan Masoof can only wish captaining Team India

— MTyagi🇦🇺 (@Manish5981) October 12, 2025

Masood was eventually dismissed for 76 by Prenelan Subrayen in the 48th over. The crowd’s wait was finally over as loud chants of ‘Babar, Babar’ echoed across the stadium. The former Pakistan captain walked out to bat for the national side after several months of gap.

Babar scored 23 off 48 balls before getting out to Simon Harmer in the 60th over. The Pakistani batter was recently snubbed from the T20I team for the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan reached the final of the tournament but lost to champions India. Mohammad Rizwan also missed the event, as Pakistan was looking to field a more aggressive batting lineup.