Shahid Afridi did not understand what Abdul Razzaq said: Shoaib Akhtar on controversial remark on Aishwarya Rai

In a recent turn of events, the cricket world has been abuzz with the controversial remarks made by former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. The comments, which suggested that marrying Aishwarya Rai would not guarantee a pious child, were made during a press conference and have since sparked widespread criticism.

Amidst the backlash, Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistani fast bowler known for his forthright views, took to social media to express his disapproval of Razzaq’s statement. In a tweet, Akhtar revealed that he had a conversation with Shahid Afridi, another legendary figure in Pakistani cricket, regarding the incident. Afridi, who was present at the event where Razzaq made the remarks, initially appeared to be smiling and clapping, leading many to believe he endorsed the comment.

However, Akhtar’s tweet sheds light on a different perspective. He wrote, “I just had a word with @SAfridiOfficial. He called & said that he genuinely did not understand what was said otherwise he would have condemned it there & then. He has condemned it on TV as well and in clear words with me on the phone.”

This clarification from Afridi, conveyed through Akhtar, suggests that Afridi did not grasp the nature of Razzaq’s comments at the time. It also highlights Afridi’s stance against the disrespectful remark, as he has openly condemned it both on television and in his conversation with Akhtar.

The incident has led to a broader discussion on the respect and dignity owed to individuals, regardless of their background or nationality. Akhtar’s condemnation and Afridi’s subsequent denouncement of the comment serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining decorum and sensitivity, especially in public forums.

As the cricket community continues to react to this controversy, the focus has shifted to the values of respect and integrity that are expected of sports personalities. The swift response from figures like Akhtar and Afridi demonstrates their commitment to upholding these values, even in the face of challenging situations.