Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has issued an apology to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community for his offensive remarks about Arshdeep Singh. Akmal expressed his regret for comments made on a Pakistani news channel during a discussion about the India vs. Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup. His words, which targeted Arshdeep Singh’s religion, caused significant outrage among fans and former players alike. Specifically, Akmal had insinuated that Arshdeep’s performance was unreliable and made a derogatory comment about the Indian pacer’s religion, which did not sit well with many, especially Harbhajan Singh.
During the panel discussion on ARY News, Akmal said, “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… Dekhe last over karna Arshdeep Singh ne hai. Waise uska rhythm nahi laga. 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. The last over will be bowled by Arshdeep Singh; he hasn’t looked in a great rhythm. And It is already 12).” This remark, referring to a historical context about Sikhs, was perceived as highly disrespectful. Harbhajan Singh, known for his strong stance against such slurs, responded vehemently on social media. He reminded Akmal of the historical sacrifices Sikhs made and expressed his disappointment in Akmal’s lack of knowledge and respect.
Harbhajan’s reaction was immediate and stern. He posted on X, “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.” This strong response highlighted the gravity of Akmal’s remarks and the hurt they caused.
Realizing the impact of his words, Akmal quickly apologized. He took to social media to express his regret and acknowledge the inappropriateness of his comments. Akmal wrote, “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. #Respect #Apology.”
The controversy arose in the backdrop of a thrilling T20 World Cup match where Rohit Sharma’s team managed to defeat Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring game. Despite being bowled out for a mere 119 runs in 19 overs, India staged a remarkable comeback with a disciplined bowling effort, restricting Pakistan to 113/7.
This incident underscores the importance of respect and sensitivity in sports commentary, especially regarding cultural and religious sentiments. As the T20 World Cup progresses, such incidents remind us of the need for athletes and commentators to maintain a decorum that honors the spirit of the game and the diverse backgrounds of those involved.
For the latest updates on the T20 World Cup 2024, including match results, top run-scorers, highest wicket-takers, and points table standings, stay tuned. The tournament continues to capture the excitement of cricket fans around the world, showcasing the best talents and thrilling matches.
