On Tuesday (November 14), ex-Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq issued an apology for his sexist and derogatory comments directed at Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. These remarks were initially made during a public panel alongside former cricketers Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi, both of whom expressed support and amusement at Razzaq’s inappropriate statements.
Razzaq took to Twitter (X) to share a video apology, expressing deep regret for his actions. He stated, “I am profoundly ashamed of my words yesterday, realising they were highly inappropriate. I extend my sincere apologies to everyone; please find it in your hearts to forgive me.” He explained that he had intended to use a different analogy but unintentionally mentioned Aishwarya Rai due to a slip of the tongue. Additionally, he emphasised that he had no intention of causing harm to anyone’s feelings.
I am very ashamed of yesterday and I realize I said very bad words. I apologize to everyone, please forgive me. 🙏 #AishwaryaRai #AbdulRazzaqpic.twitter.com/zXotn314yo
— Abdul Razzaq (@AbdulRazzaq_PAK) November 14, 2023
Razzaq, during the recent panel discussion, criticized the current Pakistan cricket team, questioning the players’ intentions and piety. In Urdu, he remarked, “If your belief is that marrying Aishwarya Rai will result in the birth of a pious and virtuous child, then that is an unrealistic expectation.”
Pakistan’s media was questioning about the team’s performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, Razzaq targeted the Pakistan Cricket Board with a remark about the actress which left the internet disgruntled.
During the interaction, Razzaq said, “Younis Khan had good intentions as a captain and it gave me confidence to perform better. Everyone over here is talking about the intention and Pakistan’s team. Actually, we don’t have good intentions to develop and polish players in Pakistan. If you think that by marrying Aishwarya Rai, a good and pious kid would be born, it would never happen.”
The video containing his comments about Aishwarya circulated widely online, drawing significant criticism. In response to the controversy, former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi appeared on television, condemning Razzaq’s statements. Despite viral videos showing Afridi laughing at Razzaq’s words, he claimed to be ‘unaware’ of the content. On Samaa TV, Afridi labeled it a bad joke, asserting that such comments should not be made, and urged Razzaq to issue an apology.
Mohammad Yousaf, the former Pakistani cricketer, took to Twitter to criticize his compatriot’s comments, expressing his hope that the individual would feel remorse and issue an apology. Shoaib Akhtar also weighed in on Razzaq’s remarks, asserting that no woman should be treated with disrespect. Akhtar went on to rebuke Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi for supporting Razzaq in his controversial statements.
Yousaf wrote in a tweet, “I hope he will be ashamed of what he said and apologise.” Shoaib Akhtar tweeted that ‘no woman should be disrespected like this’, and also slammed Gul and Afridi for cheering Razzaq on.
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