Cricket won because India lost the World Cup final: Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq

In a clip which went viral on social media, Razzaq can be heard accusing India, who were the best team in this World Cup until the final happened, of taking undue benefits of the home soil.

In a remark which would trigger sharp responses from India, Razzaq said in a chat show, "Cricket has won today. If India had won, we would have regretted it in the sense because they used the conditions. Cricket stayed with the braves and the ones who are mentally strong. Australia did that..."

"Pitches and atmosphere should be fair for both the teams. India took advantage even in the final. If Virat Kohli had slammed a hundred, India would have won the match," he added.

India, the team which reached the final winning all 10 matches including the one against Pakistan and champion Australia, were outplayed by the Aussies by six wickets in the final that was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Razzaq's remark on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan draws flak

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.

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.

Razzaq later offered an apology after his remark on Aishwarya drew flak from both the countries.

The former allrounder cricketer had 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."