Waqar Younis apologises for 'Namaz before Hindus' jibe after India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match

Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has apologised for his controversial remark after the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup group stage match which had triggered a massive storm on social media. Younis took to micro-blogging site Twitter to apologise for the remark wherein he was quoted as saying, "The most satisfying thing about match, even more than his batting, was watching Rizwan offer namaz in front of Hindus".

The commentator wrote on Twitter that he did not mean to hurt the sentiments of anyone and that these words were said in the heat of the moment. Younis had come under fire almost immediately for giving a cricket victory a communal tone. Even though such remarks were expected from some loose cannons with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan cabinet and from the likes of Shahid Afridi, many were taken aback by such a remark coming from Waqar Younis.

Issuing an apology in the wee hours of Wednesday, Younis admitted that it was a genuine mistake and that sport unites people irrespective of race, colour or religion. The former pacer's remarks were not appreciated by his fellow commentators either. Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to reveal his displeasure, stating that the remark made by Younis was one of the most disappointing things that he had heard.

Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad was even more ruthless in his criticism of the remarks made by Younis. Terming Younis as shameless, Prasad said the remarks take the jihadi mindset to another level.

Well, it seems for now that Younis seems to have understood the gravity of the situation and apologised. Some, though, have been quick to link the apology to his commentator contract.  

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• Waqar Younis
• T20 World Cup
• India Vs Pakistan