Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
India and Pakistan have a long history with respect to their rivalry in cricket. Things get easily heated up when the two cricketing giants meet on the field. It was no different when India took on Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024 game on June 9. The match went down to the wire and the onus was on Indian pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to defend the 21 runs off the final two overs.
When Arshdeep bowled the 20th over, Pakistan were in need of 18 runs and there came a remark from former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal that irked global fans. Akmal quipped that the pacer was not in a good rhythm and brought his Sikh religion into context to take a jibe at him. Though he apologized for his distasteful comment, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh schooled him for his immature behaviour.
“Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… Dekhein last over karna Arshdeep Singh ne hai. Waise uska rhythm nahi laga. 12 bajj 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),” Akmal said while laughing with other panelists on the show for ARY.
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Harbhajan was quick to remind Akmal of the cultural importance of the Sikh community and their contribution to society against all odds. He also took his time to describe the 12-clock remark and recalled the historical importance of the moment Akmal had turned into a jibe.
“This is a very absurd and childish statement that only a ‘Nalaayak’ can make. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone’s religion and make fun of it. I would like to ask Kamran Akmal – Do you know the history of Sikhs, who are Sikhs and all the work that Sikhs have done to save your community, your mothers, sisters,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by Crickit.
“Ask this from your ancestors, at 12 o’clock, the Sikhs used to attack Mughals and rescue your mothers and sisters, so stop talking nonsense. It is good that he understood so quickly and apologised but he should never again try to hurt any Sikh or any religion. We respect all religions, whether it is Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity” he added.
I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely: Akmal
Akmal has been at the centre of controversy whenever India and Pakistan clashed on the field. He is infamously known for having irked former India opener, Gautam Gambhir during the Asia Cup in 2009. His antics do not cede there, he was even involved with Ishant Sharma during a T20I series that led both players to get fined 15 percent of their match fees. After receiving intense flak for his recent comments, Akmal expressed his respect towards the Sikh community and pleaded guilty.
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
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“I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologise 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,” said Akmal.