'Slip Of Tongue': Pakistani All Rounder Abdul Razzaq Apologises After Facing 'All-Round' Backlash For Lewd Comments On Aishwarya Rai

Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has issued a public apology for his derogatory comments about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai during a discussion about Pakistan's performance in the World Cup 2023.

Razzaq faced severe backlash on social media for using Rai's name as an example to illustrate his point about the lack of intent to polish talent in the team management.

In a video circulating on microblogging site X, Razzaq acknowledged his slip of the tongue and expressed regret for mentioning Aishwarya Rai in a context that was not intended to hurt anyone's sentiments.

He stated, “We were talking about cricket coaching and intentions. Meri zubaan fisal gai (I had a slip of the tongue) and mistakenly took Aishwarya Rai’s name. I should have given some other example but said that by mistake. I apologise to her personally. I did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiment.” 

The incident led to condemnation from cricket personalities, including Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi, who were seen laughing in the video.

Afridi, later realising the inappropriateness of Razzaq's comments, condemned the joke and pledged to apologise to Aishwarya Rai on behalf of Razzaq.

The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibility of public figures and the need to refrain from making disrespectful comments.

Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar condemned Razzaq's remarks, emphasising that no woman should be disrespected in such a manner.

Akhtar also called for immediate intervention by those present, urging them to raise their voices against inappropriate comments rather than joining in laughter.