Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who is known for his controversial statements, has grabbed the headlines this time around with his distasteful remark on Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Speaking at an event in Karachi, Razzaq on Monday (November 13) suggested that marrying Aishwarya would not guarantee the birth of a pious child.

Razzaq was accompanied by former teammates Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi among others in the event.

As soon as the video of his comment went viral on social media, Abdul Razzaq drew flak from all quarters. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has also condemned Razzaq's statement.

Taking to social media platform X, Akhtar wrote: “I highly condemn the inappropriate joke/comparison made by Razzaq. No woman should be disrespected like this.”

He also added that people seated alongside Razzaq should have instead raised their voices rather than laughing and clapping.

“People seated beside him should have raised their voice right away rather than laughing & clapping."

He later posted after talking to Shahid Afridi, “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.”

During the event, a journalist questioned Razzaq about Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

In reply, Razzaq made ill-worded remarks about the actress while giving an example of good intentions.

“Younis Khan had good intentions as a captain and it gave me confidence to perform better. Everyone over here is talking about the intention and Pakistan’s team. Actually, we don’t have good intentions to develop and polish players in Pakistan. If you think that by marrying Aishwarya Rai, a good and pious kid would be born, it would never happen," Razzaq said.