Lisa Sthalekar Reacts to Ramiz Raja Hug Controversy [Source: X]
Former cricketer turned commentator Lisa Sthalekar broke her silence after a clip of her giving a spontaneous hug to fellow commentary partner, Ramiz Raja, went viral on social media.
The incident happened during the PSL 2026 Eliminator 1 contest, where Hyderabad Kingsmen were competing against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Lisa Sthalekar reacts to the controversy involving Ramiz Raja
However, in the commentary box, Lisa Sthalekar leaned in and gave Ramiz Raja a friendly, spontaneous hug. It wasn't staged or part of the broadcast.
It looked like a natural, human interaction between two colleagues who are comfortable with each other. Ramiz appeared briefly surprised, but both quickly carried on with their analysis as if nothing unusual had happened.
But the clip blew up on social media as fans lashed out at both Sthalekar and Ramiz for unprofessional conduct. Cricket commentary is typically formal and analysis-heavy. So when something informal like this happens live on air, it stands out instantly.
Meanwhile, amid heavy backlash, Lisa Sthalekar broke her silence and said that she was surprised to see how a simple gesture caused a massive uproar.
"Surprised that a simple hug has caused a lot of commentary," Lisa Sthalekar said on IG.
While the gesture was harmless from Sthalekar’s side, the fact that commentators are professionals cannot be ignored. Such acts won’t always be received well when former cricketers are seated in a professional environment.
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Did Ramiz Raja cross a line with Lisa Sthalekar?
Meanwhile, a certain fraction of fans on social media stooped to a new low and modified the video clip between Lisa Sthalekar and Ramiz Raja using AI.
The AI-fabricated video showed that Raja leaned in and appeared to give a quick peck on the forehead to Lisa. However, the clip is completely fake.
While Lisa Sthalekar and Ramiz Raja did share a hug, nothing happened beyond that between the two individuals.
PSL 2026 final to be played on May 3
That being said, the stage is set for the PSL 2026 final, where Hyderabad Kingsmen will compete against Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore on May 3.
Zalmi made their way to the final by beating Islamabad United in the qualifier game. However, Kingsmen had an incredible journey.
After beating Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 game, Hyderabad Kingsmen pulled off a dramatic victory over United in Eliminator 2. Hunain Shah defended just 5 runs in the last over to guide his team home in what turned out to be a nerve-wracking knockout game.
With both Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen being in sublime touch, the final of PSL 2026 season is expected to deliver a cracking and entertaining contest at the Gaddafi Stadium.
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