Waqar Younis apologizes for controversial statement on Rizwan offer prayers
'I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many,' says Waqar Younis
Former Pakistan pacer and ex-bowling coach Waqar Younis was delighted with the phenomenal performance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the T20 World Cup clash against India. However, while praising their performance, Waqar had said on national TV a couple of days ago that he was happy to see Rizwan offer Namaz in front of "Hindus" in the stadium.
“The manner in which Babar and Rizwan batted, the strike-rotation, the look on their faces, it was amazing. The best thing, what Rizwan did, Mashallah, he offered the Namaz on the ground surrounded by Hindus, that was really something very special for me,” Waqar said.
The controversial statement triggered backlash on social media, inducing Waqar Younis to offer an apology.
“In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologize for this, this was not intended at all, a genuine mistake. Sports unite people regardless of race, color, or religion. #apologies."
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer and commentator Harsha Bhogle were disappointed with Waqar Younis' statement on Muhammad Rizwan.
Rizwan smashed an unbeaten 79 in just 55 balls and along with the skipper Babar Azam helped his team win against India.
Waqar's comments were not welcomed by Jaffer, and the former Indian took it to Twitter and wrote:
“Absolutely vile and disgusting comments from Waqar Younis. #Shameful.”
Bhogle also expressed his disappointment over Waqar’s comments by saying: “For a person of Waqar Younis’ stature to say that watching Rizwan offering namaz in front of Hindus was very special to him, is one of the most disappointing things I have heard,” Bhogle wrote.
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