'Magical rub': Ramiz Raja crosses the line with vulgar double-meaning remark on Wanindu Hasaranga

The T20 World Cup 2026 has already begun, with Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, taking the field last night against Ireland. In the game, Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was struck with a slight injury problem. The co-hosts won the game by 20 runs to begin their World Cup campaign with a win. They are one of the favourites to win the trophy due to their home conditions.

Coming to the injury, Wanindu Hasaranga has been an injury-prone cricketer throughout his career. Hasaranga, after bowling the first over, was feeling uncomfortable. He looked in trouble, struggling with an injury. The Sri Lankan spinner had to untie the knot on his trousers, and the physio ran out on the field to have a look. It was believed to be a hamstring problem.

Pakistan commentator Ramiz Raja takes a funny jab at Wanindu Hasaranga

However, the opening of the knot was taken in another way. As Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-commentator saw things differently, making an obscene remark, saying, "A quick magical rub maybe." The comment was made funnily; it exposes sexual undertones and adult humour, which is unworthy of an ICC broadcast from a former cricket player.

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Wanindu Hasaranga, after the injury, came back well and he demolished the Irish batting line-up, picking up three wickets in the match for 25 runs. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka provided an update on the injury of Wanindu Hasaranga at the post-match press conference, stating, "Wanindu got a problem with his hamstring. Hopefully it won’t be serious."

Hasaranga becomes all time leading wicket-taker for Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga, after picking three wickets, became the all-time T20 World Cup record holder for most wickets for Sri Lanka. He surpassed former cricketer and current fast bowling coach of the side, Lasith Malinga’s record of 38 wickets in the major event. Hasaranga has climbed up to take second place.

He left behind former Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has picked 50 wickets, and Hasaranga has 40. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan now has 38* wickets, who earlier had taken a wicket against New Zealand on Sunday, and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi has 39 wickets.

Sri Lanka spinners control the game

Sri Lanka, after being invited to bat first by Ireland, found themselves in trouble after 86/4 at one stage. However, brilliant knocks from Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis helped the side to post a defendable total of 163/6. The former scored 56 off 43 balls, and Kamindu played a fiery knock of 44 off 19, which led the island nation to go past the 150-run mark.

Coming out to chase the Irish team were in the chase; however, they lost four wickets in the span of 17 runs with a collapse in the middle order, leading their side to lose the match by just 20 runs. Sri Lanka's spinner had control of the game as 7 out of the 10 wickets were picked by the spinners, with Maheesh Theekshana picking 3/23 and Dunith Wellalage picking one for 28 runs.

Sri Lanka will be up against Oman on 12th February. While Ireland will be facing mighty Australia in their next group stage game.

Also Read: Wanindu Hasaranga becomes highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup