Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq has issued an apology for his derogatory remark about Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai, attributing it to a “slip of the tongue.” Razzaq, who played 46 Tests and 265 ODIs for Pakistan, expressed regret, emphasizing that it was not his intention to offend anyone.
In a video message shared on a social media platform, Razzaq explained, “We were talking about cricket, coaching, and intention. It was a slip of the tongue of the kind that happened while I was giving an example to explain the situation. I wanted to give some other example, but accidentally Aishwarya’s name came up. I really want to apologize for my mistake and say sorry to Aishwarya. That was not my intention. I really apologize.”
Razzaq made the controversial remarks during a discussion on the Pakistan team’s performance at the ICC Cricket World Cup. He was part of a panel alongside former captain Shahid Afridi and former pacer Umar Gul. Razzaq was addressing the lack of intent among current Pakistani players when he used the Aishwarya Rai analogy.
“We don’t really intend to improve and develop the players, in my opinion. It is like if you think you will marry Aishwarya (Rai) and have a good-natured and moral child, it will never happen. First, you will have to fix your intentions,” Razzaq remarked. The video also captured Afridi and Gul laughing at Razzaq’s comments.
Also read : Ayodhya sets new gunnies world record amid Deepotsav 2023
The video quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation from former Pakistani cricketers and Indian politicians. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar tweeted, “No woman should be disrespected like this. People seated beside him should have raised their voice right away rather than laughing and clapping.”
Shahid Afridi later criticized Razzaq’s remarks, stating that he didn’t realize the content at the time. “I laughed on stage but didn’t get what he actually said…When I returned home, I saw a video sent by someone, and then I realized that Razzaq shouldn’t have said that. I felt weird…Such jokes shouldn’t be made,” Afridi told Samaa TV.
