'Meri Zubaan Fisal Gai': Abdul Razzaq Issues Apology for Derogatory Remark on Aishwarya Rai - WATCH

Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has issued an apology for his derogatory comments on Bollywood actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai. Speaking about Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the World Cup 2023 in a public event, the former cricketer stated that the people who look after the team don’t have the intent to ‘polish the talent’. To explain his context, he cited an example mentioning Rai’s name which led to severe backlash from fans on social media.

The massive uproar on social media tempted Razzaq to issue a public apology. In a video going viral on microblogging site X, the former cricketer could be seen admitting that he should have given a better example to express his opinion.

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“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,” Razzaq said in the video.

The reactions of the likes of Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi to Razzaq’s comments have also been condemned by the netizens as the two former cricketers were seen laughing in the video. The incident has also sparked discussions about their responsibility of being public figures.

However, Afridi also later condemned Razzaq’s comments. Speaking on Samaa TV, the former said he didn’t know what the ex-allrounder had said until watching the video of the incident after reaching home.

“I laughed on stage but didn’t get what he actually said. Other people were laughing as well. So, when I returned home, I saw a video sent by someone and then I realized that Razzaq shouldn’t have said that. I felt weird and I’ll text him right away to apologise. Such jokes shouldn’t be made,” Afridi told SamaA TV.

Razzak’s statement didn’t go down well among the former cricketers of Pakistan. Pace legend Shoaib Akhtar blasted his former teammate for his comments on Aishwarya Rai.

“I highly condemn the inappropriate joke/comparison made by Razzaq. No woman should be disrespected like this. People seated beside him should have raised their voice right away rather than laughing & clapping,” Akhtar posted on microblogging site X.