Kamran Akmal Apologises For Remarks On Arshdeep Singh's Religion

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has extended an unconditional apology to Harbhajan Singh for making "inappropriate and disrespectful" comments about India pacer Arshdeep Singh's religion during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match. Akmal conveyed his sincere regret for his remarks about Sikhs, which sparked a strong backlash from Harbhajan on social media, Hindustan Times reported.

"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 worldwide and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #Respect #Apology," Akmal wrote on X, tagging the former India cricketer.

In a video reposted by Harbhajan, Akmal, who was part of a panel on ARY News (a Pakistani news channel), made a controversial remark about Arshdeep's religion. "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 said while laughing with other panellists on the show.

The comments were made during the 19th over of Pakistan's chase during Sunday's India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Harbhajan did not take kindly to these remarks. The former India off-spinner lambasted Akmal, writing, "Lakh di laanat tere Kamran Akmal... You should know the history of Sikhs before you open your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o'clock. Shame on you... Have some gratitude."

Arshdeep, tasked with defending 17 runs in the last over, did a splendid job, conceding only 11 runs to ensure a six-run victory for India. The left-arm pacer also claimed the wicket of Imad Wasim in the first delivery of the over, finishing with figures of 1/31 in his four overs.

Earlier, India did not get off to an ideal start after being sent in to bat by Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Openers Virat Kohli (4) and Rohit Sharma (13) failed to score big on a sluggish New York pitch that offered plenty of seam movement early on.

Rishabh Pant (42 in 31 balls, with six fours) injected momentum into the Indian innings. He forged useful partnerships with Axar Patel (20 in 18 balls, with two fours and a six) and Suryakumar Yadav (7 off 8 balls). However, the lower middle order collapsed, and India were bowled out for 119 in 19 overs.

Haris Rauf (3/21) and Naseem Shah (3/21) were the standout bowlers for Pakistan. Mohammad Amir took two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one.

In the run chase, Pakistan adopted a measured approach. Mohammad Rizwan (31 in 44 balls, with a four and a six) anchored one end. However, Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) secured crucial wickets, including those of skipper Babar Azam (13), Fakhar Zaman (13), Shadab Khan (4), and Iftikhar Ahmed (5), preventing Pakistan from gaining momentum.

Bumrah was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning spell.