Controversies and Pakistan cricket are old friends. The latest involves former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq and Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Razzaq, who has represented Pakistan in 265 ODIs, passed a derogatory comment on Bollywood icon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Abdul Razzaq was present at a an event for Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2009 winners. The likes of Shahid Afridi, Younus Khan, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and Shoaib Malik also graced the event with their presence.
After the comment, fans and pundits have blasted Razzaq. Fans, fellow teammates, and people from both India and Pakistan, have called out Razzaq on X, formerly Twitter. But what did he actually say? Let's find out!
MORE: Full Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures & results | Bet on CWC 2023 matches here (selected territories)
What did Abdul Razzaq say about Aishwarya Rai?
When given an opportunity to speak, Razzaq couldn't resist from using Aishwarya as part of a derogatory metaphor.
"If you think that by marrying Aishwarya (Rai), a good child would be born, that's not done. Your intentions matter, more than anything else," Razzaq said at the event.
To add to the disgrace, fellow Pakistan teammates Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul were seen clapping and encouraging the remark passed by Abdul Razzaq.
“If you think that by marrying actress Aishwarya Rai, a good & virtuous child would be born, it would never happen “ ~ Pakistan cricket player Abdul Razzaq.
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) November 14, 2023
And, other Pakistan's players Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul were clapping on his statement. pic.twitter.com/i3YcatroVU
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What did Pakistan Cricketers say about Abdul Razzaq's comments on Aishwarya Rai?
Former Pakistan cricketers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Yousuf condemned the inappropriate remark given by Abdul Razzaq. Shoaib Akhtar has been very vocal on the social media, and slammed Razzaq for his statement.
Akhtar also took a dig at Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul for their appreciation to the derogation.
I highly condemn the inappropriate joke/comparison made by Razzaq.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 14, 2023
No woman should be disrespected like this.
People seated beside him should have raised their voice right away rather than laughing & clapping.
Shahid Afridi himself has come out and apologised for clapping to Abdul Razzaq's comment. He also stated that he would ask Razzaq to apologise publicly for his remarks.
Shahid Afridi says he will ask Abdul Razzaq to apologize for his comments on Aishwarya Rai. Lala says he didn't know what Razzaq said at that time but saw the clip once he reached home. Well done, Lala 💯👏🏼👏🏼 @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/w9wcf2Lzp2
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 14, 2023
Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq's teammate, has also took to Twitter over the issue. He regretted on behalf of Razzaq, and hoped that Razzaq would be ashamed of what he had said.
As a cricketer I feel sorry that Abdul Razzaq made comments about Indian actress in a media talk. I hope he will be ashamed of what he said and apologize.
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 14, 2023
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Irfan Pathan reacts to Razzaq's comment
Former India International Irfan Pathan has flabbergasted on Abdul Razzaq's recent comment. Talking about Razzaq's derogatory comment, Pathan posted a one-word tweet on X (formerly Twitter).
GRACE…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 14, 2023
Pathan has talked about the grace (disgrace) of Pakistan and its fans in the past too. After Pakistan's win over New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2022, Pathan talked about the lack of grace among Pakistan fans.
Who will win the 2023 World Cup?
India and Australia are now among the favourites for the 2023 World Cup title.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| India | 1.95 |
| Australia | 4.50 |
| South Africa | 5.50 |
| New Zealand | 7.50 |
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