Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq recently found himself at the center of controversy after making derogatory remarks about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai during a panel discussion. Following widespread backlash, Razzaq issued a public apology, acknowledging his comments as a “slip of the tongue.”
In a video message shared on social media, Razzaq expressed regret for his choice of words, stating, “I am very ashamed of yesterday, and I realize I said very bad words. I apologize to everyone; please forgive me.” He clarified that it was not his intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments and explained the context behind his inappropriate analogy involving Aishwarya Rai.
During the panel discussion about the performance of the Pakistan cricket team, Razzaq made a controversial analogy, saying, “If one marries Aishwarya with the intention of having pious kids, it is not possible.” The remark sparked criticism for its inappropriate nature, and a clip of the statement circulated widely on social media.
Fellow cricketers Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi were present on the panel, with Afridi later condemning Razzaq’s comments on a local news channel, stating, “It was a wrong joke, and such jokes should not be made.” Afridi claimed he wasn’t aware of what was said, despite being seen laughing at Razzaq’s statement in viral videos.
Former cricketer Mohammad Yousaf and Shoaib Akhtar also criticized Razzaq’s comments, with Akhtar emphasizing that “no woman should be disrespected like this.” Indian MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the remarks and praised Aishwarya Rai for standing tall despite such comments.
Regardless, the incident highlights the importance of responsible communication for public figures and underscores the impact words can have on individuals.
