Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has offered an unconditional apology for Harbhajan Singh’s “inappropriate and disrespectful” remarks about Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh’s religion. Akmal said he was “deeply sorry” for the remarks about Sikhs which drew infuriation from Harbhajan on social media.
“I deeply regret my recent comments and offer my sincere apologies to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community. My remarks were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have utmost respect for Sikhs across the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #respect #apology,” Akmal wrote on X, tagging the former Indian cricketer.
In the video reposted by Harbhajan, the former Pakistan cricketer, who was part of a panel on Pakistani news channel ARY News, made controversial remarks about Arshdeep’s religion.Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… Deke left Karna for last. Arshdeep Singh Hey, yes. Rhythm doesn’t matter. 12 Basketball has started. “(Anything can happen.) The last over will be bowled by Arshdeep Singh but he doesn’t look well. And it’s already 12,” Akmal said, laughing along with the other panellists on the show.
The remarks were made during Pakistan’s chasing 19th over of the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday.
His remarks did not go down well with Harbhajan. The former India off-spinner slammed Akmal. “Lak Di Ranaut Tere Kamran Akmal…You should know the history of Sikhs before opening your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters who were kidnapped by invaders. It was always 12 o’clock. Shame on you…Be grateful,” he wrote.
Asked to defend 17 in the final over, Arshdeep did just enough to concede just 11 and ensure India’s victory by six runs. The left-arm fast bowler also took the wicket of Imad Wasim with his first delivery of the over to finish with figures of 1/31 in four overs.
Indian bowlers defend low total against Pakistan
Earlier, India were put in to bat by Pakistan captain Babar Azam but did not get off to an ideal start, with openers Virat Kohli (4) and Rohit Sharma (13) struggling to score big runs as New York played a lot of seam action early on.
Rishabh Pant (42 off 31 balls, six fours) got some good luck rolling as India’s batting order got going. He formed useful partnerships with Akshar Patel (20 off 18 balls, two fours, one six) and Suryakumar Yadav (seven off eight balls). But the lower-middle order collapsed and India finished at 119 in the 19th over.
Haris Rauf (3/21) and Naseem Shah (3/21) were Pakistan’s top bowlers. Mohammed Amir got two off balls and Shaheen Shah Afridi got one off ball.
Pakistan took a more cautious approach in their bid to score runs, with Mohammed Rizwan (31 off 44 balls with one four and one six) dominating the first end, but Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) ensured Pakistan were unable to escape with the crucial wickets of captain Babar Azam (13), Fakhar Zaman (13), Shadab Khan (4) and Iftikhar Ahmed (5).
Bumrah was named ‘Man of the Match’ for his match-winning performance.
