Abdul Razzaq, a former cricket player for Pakistan, was involved in a controversy following a statement he made at an event. During the press conference held in Karachi, the cricket player discussed the coaching strategies and performance of the Pakistan cricket team. He mentioned actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a metaphorical way. This did not sit well with internet users, and social media users and other cricket players responded with outrage. The cricket player has now apologised in public for this.
Abdul Razzaq’s comment
For those who are unaware, at the most recent press conference held in Karachi, members of Pakistan’s media questioned the team’s performance at the ICC World Cup 2023. Razzaq began criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board, stating that he was speaking of the organisation’s goals. He was aware that Younis Khan, his captain, was playing with the intention of doing the right thing. That gave him bravery and strength, and with Allah’s help, he was able to perform well for Pakistani cricket.
“I don’t think we really intend to improve and enhance the players,” he said. That will never happen if you believe that I will wed Aishwarya (Rai) in order to have a morally pure and kind child. That means you have to start by changing your intentions.
Abdul Razzaq’s apology
In response to the widespread criticism on social media, Pakistani cricket player Abdul Razzaq was heard defending his position in a widely shared video. “I’m Abdul Razaaq…yesterday, during the press conference, we were discussing cricket coaching and intentions,” he said in a nearly 27-second video. I used Aishwarya Rai’s name by accident due to a slip of the tongue. I sincerely apologise to her. I didn’t mean to cause harm to anyone. I meant to use her name, but I had to give another example. Surprisingly, the apology was made just hours after Razzaq’s remarks were denounced by a number of former teammates and well-known cricketers.
Abdul Razzaq’s comment criticised by Shoaib Akhtar
Prominent Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar took to social media to voice his displeasure with the statement Akhtar offered a sincere apology, stating that women are our pride and that such remarks should never be made about anyone. He expressed regret on Razzaq’s behalf as well. His words serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a public figure as well as a larger call for accountability.
The cricket player also made a strong statement that emphasised how important it is for cricket players to recognise their role. He said that players should know that they are players, not politicians, and that they do not need to communicate in this manner. He went on to say that he was referring to cricket players from both countries. His remarks highlight how crucial it is to keep sportsmanship and political discourse distinct.
As the narrative progresses, Shoaib Akhtar’s unwavering stance against offensive remarks functions as a call to responsibility among cricket enthusiasts. His criticism of the comments made as well as the responses of those in attendance highlights how each person has a shared responsibility to encourage civil discourse.
Abdul Razzaq’s comment made Afridi feel uneasy
Shahid Afridi clarified that although he laughed at Razzaq’s remark, he did not fully understand it. “Everyone was laughing. When I got home, someone had posted a video of Razzaq saying those exact words. Following that, I became uncomfortable and made the decision to speak with Razzaq to request an apology, as such a comment shouldn’t have been made about anyone,” Afridi said.
Abdul Razzaq slammed by Priyanka Chaturdevi
Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), criticised Abdul Razzaq, the former all-rounder for Pakistan, for his strange remark about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. The comment sparked a major controversy and forced Razzaq to issue an apology. The Sena MP claimed that their action only revealed their pitiful upbringing, as Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul applauded the comment.
