Harbhajan Singh Rebukes Kamran Akmal Over Controversial Remarks on Sikh Religion

Harbhajan Singh has launched a fresh attack on Kamran Akmal for his distasteful remarks about the Sikh religion. Despite Akmal’s public apology, the former India off-spinner has reiterated the damage caused by Akmal’s “insensible and absurd” comment. The controversy arose during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match when Akmal, as part of ARY News’ broadcast panel, made a comment targeting Arshdeep Singh’s religion while he was bowling the final over of the match.

Akmal’s Distasteful Remark

Akmal’s controversial statement during the broadcast included the following: “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’s remark, made while laughing with other panellists, sparked outrage.

Akmal’s Apology

Facing backlash from Harbhajan and other former cricketers, Akmal quickly issued a public apology. “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.”

Harbhajan Singh’s Response

Harbhajan Singh, however, did not hold back in his response. Speaking to ANI, he said, “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 continued, “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.”

Historical Context of Akmal’s Remarks

Harbhajan and Akmal share a long history of on-field encounters during India vs Pakistan matches. Notably, during a hotly-contested Asia Cup game in 2009, Akmal and Gautam Gambhir got into a heated exchange that nearly escalated to physical confrontation. In another instance, during Pakistan’s 2012 tour of India for a T20I series, Akmal had an intense argument with Ishant Sharma, resulting in fines for both players.

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