NEW DELHI: A rare moment unfolded on day one of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, as home fans cheered the dismissal of their own captain, Shan Masood.

The reason: Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batter and crowd favorite, was next to bat.

The stadium buzzed with applause and excitement as the former captain walked in, though he was dismissed shortly after tea for 23.

Shan Masood, who had scored 76 runs in a 161-run second-wicket partnership with Imam-ul-Haq (93), was given out leg before wicket to Prenelan Subrayen in the second session. He opted to take a DRS review.

In a surprising turn, most of the crowd cheered when the big screen confirmed the umpire's decision, sending Shan back to the pavilion.

The unusual reaction to Shan's dismissal and the warm reception for Babar Azam even left South African commentator Shaun Pollock astonished, remarking that someone should remind the crowd, "you don't do this with your captain."

A sizeable number of people were at the stadium since the Pakistan Cricket Board had kept free entry to three to four enclosures in a bid to attract more spectators.

They appeared to be successful in a way because despite free entry most of the enclosures remained empty.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's former Test captain-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja was also criticised for his remarks on Babar.

Babar's huge fan club took to the social media to slam Ramiz for his comments "Ab yeh Drama Karega" on air on the first day.

Ramiz was heard saying this after an unsuccessful caught behind appeal against Babar who was at the crease when the South Africans took a DRS review.

While the review was being taken, Ramiz can be heard saying on air: "Out hai ab yeh drama karay ga (he is out, he will now do drama)", referring to Babar.

Babar's fans didn't take the comments kindly and criticised Ramiz, pointing out how a Pakistani commentator can call a former captain of the national team a drama.

Ramiz was chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board in 2021-22 when Babar was made captain of all three formats and allowed his say in team selection matters.

One fan said former players were jealous of Babar's popularity and stardom.