(Credit X)
Even though Kamran Akmal promptly apologized for his insensitive remarks about the Sikh community targeting India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh during the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York on Sunday, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh criticized the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman further. Singh emphasized that Akmal should refrain from hurting religious sentiments and avoid mocking any religion in the future.
Akmal was participating in a discussion panel on ARY News during the India vs. Pakistan match. The former wicketkeeper-batsman made derogatory comments about Arshdeep, stating, “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.”
Akmal’s comments sparked a massive uproar on social media, and Harbhajan himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Pak cricketer, tweeting, “You should know the history of Sikhs before you open your filthy mouth.”
Shortly after the incident, Akmal issued an apology on Tuesday. However, on Wednesday, Harbhajan, in a new video, described Akmal’s apology as ‘absurd’ and labeled it a ‘very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do’.
“This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone’s religion and make fun of it,” said Harbhajan in a video posted by ANI.
The 44-year-old reprimanded Akmal, urging him to consider the history of Sikhs. “Kamran Akmal should realize that it’s unnecessary to comment on anyone’s religion and mock it. I would like to ask Kamran Akmal, do you understand the history of Sikhs, who they are, and the immense contributions they’ve made to protect your community, your mothers, and sisters? Ask your ancestors; Sikhs used to bravely confront Mughals at midnight to rescue your mothers and sisters. So, stop speaking irresponsibly,” stated Harbhajan, who is currently in the USA as a commentator for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Although Harbhajan acknowledged Akmal’s apology, he cautioned the former cricketer against making such remarks in the future.
“It is good that he understood so quickly and apologized, 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…”, added Harbhajan.
