Ex-Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has apologized to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community for his public remarks on Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh on Monday.
While covering the show on India-Pakistan ICC T20 world cup match on ARY news, he commented on Arshdeep’s religion saying, ‘Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12).’
As a result, it triggered a widespread outrage among people, also angering former indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who later slammed Akmal.
Taking to X, he said,
‘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.’
Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you guys.. Have some Gratitude @KamiAkmal23 😡😡🤬 https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 10, 2024
Later, former Pakistani cricketer taking to X, issued an apology saying,
‘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’.
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
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) June 10, 2024
Meanwhile, maintaining their winning streak against Pakistan India has won the match, despite setting a low score for the former.
During the match, star opener Virat Kohli (4) and Rohit Sharma (13), weren’t able to score big. But in the middle of the innings, the partnership between Rishabh Pant along with Axar Patel, managed to stabilize the team after scary start.
However, the lower middle order unfortunately succumbed to pressure for scoring runs on unpredictable New York’s pitch.
Due to Haris Rauf (3/21), Naseem Shah (3/21) and Mohammed Amir’s exceptional bowling, they restricted India to 119 in just 19 overs.
In the second innings, Pakistan made a great start, with Mohammad Rizwan scoring 31 runs off 44 balls, including a boundary and a six, also anchoring one end firmly. However, the momentum shifted with the arrival of Jasprit Bumrah, who took 3 wickets for 14 runs, and Hardik Pandya, who claimed 2 wickets for 24 runs. This resulted in the crucial dismissals of captain Babar Azam (13), Fakhar Zaman (13), Shadab Khan (4), and Iftikhar Ahmed (5).
Despite Naseem Shah’s persistent efforts, Arshdeep Singh’s contribution ensured that India successfully defended its low score.