Abdul Razzaq speaks on niyat with vulgar analogy on Aishwarya Rai

Former Pakistani allrounder Abdul Razzaq sparked controversy when discussing the Pakistan Cricket Team's elimination from the ICC World Cup 2023, by making a statement involving Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai.

The 43-year-old, known for previous controversial remarks, some of which were deemed sexist, once again drew attention with his recent comments.

What did he say?

• Razzaq, while discussing former captain Younus Khan's intentions (niyat), made an analogy that indicated uncertainty about Younus' niyat, shedding light on Razzaq's own mindset (zeheniyat).

• The comment stirred controversy, particularly as former Pakistani cricketers Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi, present at the event, seemingly supported Razzaq's remarks by applauding and laughing.

• This unexpected reaction from his fellow players further fueled the controversy, sparking discussions on various social media platforms.

Outrage followed

• While the audience at the event responded with laughter, social media users swiftly condemned Razzaq for his inappropriate comparison involving the renowned Bollywood actress.
• The comments triggered a wave of backlash, with netizens expressing their disapproval and anger.

Not the first time for Razzaq

• Following Pakistan's loss to India in the World Cup clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14, Razzaq made a controversial statement on a TV show, saying, "Pakistan mein jo Bob Woolmer ka haal hua tha, wahin haal hoga" (what happened to Bob Woolmer in Pakistan, the same thing will happen again). The comment irked many as he drew parallels between this defeat of Pakistan and the Pakistani team's elimination from the 2007 World Cup, along with the mysterious death of their coach, Bob Woolmer.

• Another bizarre statement came in earlier this year, in January where he reportedly said, "Shaheen Afridi is way better than Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is nowhere close to Shaheen's level." In 2019, he even called Bumrah "a baby bowler."
• The worst of him came in 2021, when he, sitting alongside Nida Dar, a former Pakistani women cricketer, made a sexist remark.
• He said:

• He has had a history of doing so. once he called Virat Kohli "a lucky player" and put the PSL above the IPL.