Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis has issued an apology for a statement he made in the aftermath of India-Pakistan contest on Sunday.

While discussing the blockbuster contest between the arch-rivals, the former Pakistan bowling coach steered the discussion away from cricket, and stated on ARY News, “The best thing that Rizwan did was, Mashallah, that he offered Namaz in the middle of the ground. Right in the middle of Hindus, that was something which was very special for me.”

This comment drew a wide range of reaction on the social media, especially from prominent journalists and commentators.

Waqar Younis’s statement can be viewed below.

"Rizwan offered Namaz during #INDvPAK match in middle of Hindus was most satisfying thing Mashallah, even more than his batting"

– Waqar Younis & Shoaib Akhtar discusspic.twitter.com/ELTVJSTqh4

— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) October 26, 2021

There was plenty of criticism from former cricketers and current journalists and pundits. Harsha Bhogle, the prominent Indian commentator, said that, it was “one of the most disappointing things” he had heard, while Wasim Jaffer was also critical of the remarks.

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. A lot of us try hard to play such things down and talk up sport and to hear this is terrible.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 26, 2021

 

Absolutely vile and disgusting comments from Waqar Younis. #Shameful

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 27, 2021

Later, Waqar apologised for his statement.

He said, “In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, genuine mistake. Sports unites people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies”.

In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, genuine mistake. Sports unites people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies 🙏🏻

— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) October 26, 2021

He also issued a statement on camera.

– "I never meant it, it was a Game & it was the heat of the moment, I apologise" @waqyounis99 clarifies on what happened earlier.

Still what a historic Game & Win it was for team Pakistan. Let's move on!@bhogleharsha @asportstvpk #PakvsIndia #Pakistan #India #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1mgsnyRfap

— Arsalan H. Shah ~ Proud Pakistani (@arsalanhshah) October 26, 2021

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