Despite Kamran Akmal’s quick apology for his rude remarks regarding the Sikh community, which he criticized for targeting India quick bowler Arshdeep Singh during India against Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York on Sunday, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh lashed out at the former Pakistan stumper, stating that Akmal should not ever again attempt to hurt religious sentiments and should be careful not to make the snide remarks about any religion.
Akmal was part of a panel discussion in a discussion panel on ARY News during the Indian clash with Pakistan match. The former wicketkeeper-batter had an ad-lib at Arshdeep and said “Kuch Bhi Ho sakta Hai… Dekhe last over is karna Arshdeep Singh is ne hai. Waise uska rhythm nahi laga. Twelve baj gaye hai (Anything could happen). Arshdeep Singh can bowl out the last ball. He isn’t at a good pace. And it’s almost 12.”
Akmal’s remarks triggered a huge controversy on social media. Harbhajan himself went on X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the Pak cricketer. He tweeted, “You should know the history of Sikhs before you open your filthy mouth.”
Then, Akmal issued an apology on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Harbhajan, in a brand new video, condemned Akmal’s comment as ‘absurd’ and a foolish action that only a ‘Nalaayak individual can perform.’
“This is an extremely absurd claim and a foolish thing that only a “Nalaayak person is able to do. Kamran Akmal must realize that there’s no reason to speak about any religious beliefs or ridicule the religion,” said Harbhajan in the video uploaded by ANI.
Akmal admonished the 44-year-old by asking if he was aware of the historical background of Sikhs. “Kamran Akmal must realize that there’s no need to discuss anyone’s religion and then make the most of it. I’d like to know from Kamran Akmal if you know the story of Sikhs who are Sikhs and the many things done by Sikhs did to protect your family as well as your mothers and sisters. Get this information from your ancestors. At 12 o’clock Sikhs were able to fight Mughals and save your sisters and mothers and their families, so stop talking about nonsense,” said Harbhajan, who is currently in the USA as a commentator on T20 World Cup 2024. T20 World Cup 2024.
Although Harbhajan acknowledged Akmal’s apology, he advised the former cricketer not to make similar remarks.
“It is great that he listened quickly and apologized, but it is not a good idea to try to harm any Sikh or any other religion. We value any religion, regardless of whether it’s Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity …” Harbhajan added. Harbhajan.