Former Pakistan head coach and captain Waqar Younis has clarified his opinion of the Women?s Cricket World Cup after his earlier comment on the tournament?s format sent Twitter into a frenzy.

The former paceman had suggested earlier this week that the Women?s World Cup be reduced to 30 overs, from its current 50-over format.

?@ICC What abt having 30 overs Cricket World Cup 4 Women???Like Tennis 3 sets rather then 5 #Suggestion I feel 50 overs r few 2many #WWCUP17,? he had tweeted on Thursday.

The tweet stirred a hot debate among cricket fans, with some quick to criticise the cricketer over what they considered ?discriminatory? comments regarding the women?s format. Others, meanwhile, offered their support for Waqar?s suggestion, calling the 50-overs women?s cricket ?too boring to watch?.

Waqar then took to Twitter again to clarify that his statement in no way meant any discrimination or prejudice towards women.

?Lesser overs mean faster pace,, more audience,,competitive Cricket,,no discrimination or prejudice toward Women #AlwaysRespectWomen #WWCUP17,? he posted.

The ICC Women?s World Cup is currently underway in England and Wales, with the final scheduled to be held at Lord?s on July 23.