Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticised former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal for his “racist comments” on present team India star Arshdeep Singh. Akmal faced the flak for his joke targetting Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India and Pakistan T20 World Cup match held on Sunday. Later, Akmal issued an apology to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community on social media and maintained that he never intended to hurt someone’s emotions.
Kamran Akmal’s comment on Arshdeep Singh
During the thrilling match between India and Pakistan, Arshdeep was handed the final over to take the Indian cricket team to finishing line. At that time, Akmal was a part of a panel on ARY News analyising the cricket match for viewers. During the show, Akmal expressed less chances for team India’s victory, however he mentioned not to undermine Arshdeep’s capability. While commenting on Arshdeep’s performance his remark didn’t sit well with people of Sikh community.
“Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12), said Akmal while commenting on Arshdeep Singh during the show
Harbhajan Singh criticises Akmal’s comments
While sharing the video clip of the show on the social media, Harbhajan singh lashed out at the former Pakistan cricketer and reminded him of the history of Sikh religion.
“Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before you open your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude,” wrote Harbhajan Singh on X.
Akmal’s apology
Reacting to the controversy over his comments, Akmal issued an apology on social media and said that his comments never intended to hurt anyone.
“I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to @harbhajan_singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry,” Akmal wrote on X.
IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match
During the India and Pakistan match, latter won the toss and chose to bat first. India performed miserably in the first innings of the match setting a small target of 119 runs. The team made its powerful comeback in the second innings with bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and others taking the lead.
However, Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) got crucial wickets of skipper Babar Azam (13), Fakhar Zaman (13), Shadab Khan (4), Iftikhar Ahmed (5) as well, which kept the pressure intact on Pakistan. With 18 runs needed in the final over, Naseem Shah (10*) tried to win it for Pakistan, however, Arshdeep Singh (1/31) made sure Pakistan fell short by six runs.
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Published: 11 Jun 2024, 10:27 AM IST