Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has once again made headlines for his controversial remarks, this time taking a jibe at the Indian cricket team following their defeat in the ICC World Cup 2023 final. India, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, surprisingly succumbed to a 6-wicket defeat against Australia in the final. Razzaq, speaking on Pakistan’s Geo TV show called ‘Haarna Mana Hay’, suggested that India’s dominance in cricket would have grown further had they won the World Cup.

“If I am being honest, cricket won,” ABdul Razzaq stated. “They were using the conditions to their advantage. Had India won the World Cup, the game of cricket would have been dominated by the country. Cricket made it clear that it helps the team who are brave and mentally strong. If India would have won, I would have felt very bad.”

Razzaq further raised questions about the pitch conditions, particularly the tracks, citing the difference in totals put up by the teams in the semi-final and final.

ALSO READ: R Ashwin comments on Australia’s strategic masterclass against India in the final

“We would have regretted India’s win because they were utilizing the conditions. One semi-final witnessed big totals on the board, but the other one and the finale turned out to be low-scoring affairs. So, I think, there’s something wrong with the conditions,” Abdul Razzaq said.

The former cricketer also alleged that India tried to take advantage of the conditions in the final, suggesting that Virat Kohli’s century could have swung the match in their favor.

“The pitches should be fair, the atmosphere should be fair, and there should be balance for both teams. India tried to take advantage even in the final, and if Kohli scored another century, India would have once again won the match,” he added.

Razzaq’s remarks come just a day after he issued an apology for making inappropriate comments about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. In a video posted on social media, Razzaq expressed regret for his words and apologized to both Rai and his fans.

ALSO READ: Marlon Samuels Faces Six-Year Ban As ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal Finds Him Guilty

“I had a slip of the tongue and mistakenly took Aishwarya Rai’s name. I apologize to her personally. I did not intend to hurt anyone. I had to give some other example, but mistakenly used her name,” Abdul Razzaq stated.

Razzaq’s controversial remarks have sparked debate and criticism, with many questioning his motives and the timing of his comments. While some have dismissed his statements as baseless, others have expressed concern about the potential impact of such remarks on the sport of cricket.