‘Very sorry, had a slip of tongue…’: Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq on controversial remark on Aishwarya Rai
Abdul Razzaq apologizes (Source: Twitter)
Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq faced criticism for referring to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan while expressing his dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after Pakistan’s World Cup exit. Razzaq, in criticizing the PCB’s intentions, used a peculiar example involving the actress’s name. Social media condemned the comments made by the former Pakistan all-rounder, calling for an apology.
After the incident, Razzaq received intense criticism on social media, not just from fans but also from cricketers on both sides of the border. Responding to the growing controversy surrounding his comments, the retired cricketer issued an apology, attributing his mention of Aishwarya Rai to a simple ‘slip of the tongue.’ This isn’t the first instance of the star all-rounder making derogatory remarks about women. Previously, he made inappropriate comments about his extramarital affair and former Pakistan cricketer Nida Dar.
The former Pakistan cricketer has issued an apology for his controversial statement, asserting that he did not mean to offend anyone’s feelings. During an appearance on Samaa TV, he stated, “Yesterday, we were discussing cricket coaching and intentions. I made an inadvertent slip of the tongue by mistakenly mentioning Aishwarya Rai’s name. I extend a personal apology to her. My intention was not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.”
Abdur Razzaq’s public apology to Aishwariya Rai after Shahid Afridi urges him!#SamaaTV #Pakistan #ShahidAfridi #AbdurRazzaq #AishwariyaRai #WorldCup23 #Cricket #Cricket23 #ICCCricketWorldCup2023 #ZorKaJor@SAfridiOfficial @Mushy_online @yousaf1788 @umairbashirr @sawerapasha pic.twitter.com/dZksfgJmZZ
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) November 14, 2023
The former Pakistan all-rounder also tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), he also wrote, “I am very ashamed of yesterday and I realize I said very bad words. I apologize to everyone, please forgive me.”
https://twitter.com/AbdulRazzaq_PAK/status/1724457348440445387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1724457348440445387%7Ctwgr%5E6103f4138208c6c8ca4c039e2ffc5d5f6a04f9e0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livemint.com%2Fsports%2Fcricket-news%2Fvery-sorry-had-slip-of-tongue-ex-pakistan-all-rounder-abdul-razzaq-on-controversial-remark-on-aishwarya-rai-11700020393663.html
No woman should endure disrespect like this: Shahid Afridi
The criticism extended beyond public disapproval, with former teammates and notable figures in cricket expressing their disdain. Renowned fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was one of the first to denounce the remarks, posting on social media, “No woman should endure disrespect like this.” Shahid Afridi, initially observed applauding at the event, later clarified that he hadn’t heard Razzaq’s comment and stated his intention to ask Razzaq for a public apology.
The star all-rounder’s apology is seen as a crucial step to mitigate the fallout of his words and uphold respect for individuals regardless of their profession or status. The cricket community and fans hope that such incidents will emphasize the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in all aspects of public discourse.
