Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq stirred a controversy after he referred to Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan while criticising his country over the dismal performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023.

Razzaq has now offered an apology after his remark on Aishwarya, a superstar in India, drew flak from both the countries.

The former allrounder cricketer said, "We were discussing cricket, coaching and intentions at the press conference. In a slip of tongue, I took the name of Aishwarya-ji while I wanted to give another example. I apologise to her. My intention was not that."

Speaking at a conference, Razzaq, who was criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board, had said, "I am talking about intentions. While I was playing, I knew my captain Younis Khan had good intentions that gave me strength to perform well."

"We don't have the intention to improve our players. Getting married to Aishwarya Rai doesn't give you a good natured child. First, the intentions will have to be corrected," the former cricketer said, slamming the Babar Azam side.

When Razzaq made the comment, two of his former teammates, Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul, applauded it.

Later on a television show, Afridi, who was a star allrounder, said, "I just laughed spontaneously on stage. But later when I was shown a clip, I realised what he (Abdul Razzaq) had actually said. I don't approve of it. I would also send a message to Razzaq urging him to apologise."

Pakistan, who are led by Babar Azam, failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals bringing the team, which was once a giant cricketing side, under the scanner.