In criticizing the performance of the Pakistan team in the 2023 World Cup, their former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq went overboard, making a controversial comment on Indian actress Aishwarya Rai. Along with Razzaq in the press conference, the likes of Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi were also present. While Gul and Afridi didn't make the comment, their refusal to condemn it during the presser left a bitter taste in the mouths of many, including Shoaib Akhtar. After criticising Gul and Afridi over their reaction to Razzaq's comment, Akhtar put forth another perspective in a fresh post on social media.

After the video of Razzaq's and Afridi's comments went viral on social media, Akhtar slammed the trio. Later on, however, the Rawalpindi Express suggested that Afridi wasn't able to understand what Razzaq really said.

Akhtar tweeted, "I just had a word with @SAfridiOfficial. He called and said that he genuinely did not understand what was said; otherwise, he would have condemned it there and then. He has condemned it on TV as well and in clear words with me on the phone.