Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh accepted apology from his Pakistani counterpart Kamran Akmal after the latter made a racist joke on Arshdeep Singh. The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, called Akmal ‘worthless’ for making such statement in the first place.
Harbhajan cautioned the former Pakistan wicketkeeper that such transgressions should never be repeated.
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“This is an utterly absurd statement and an incredibly childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ (worthless) individual can perpetrate. Kamran Akmal must comprehend that there is no necessity to comment on or mock anyone’s religion,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
“It is commendable that he swiftly realised his error and apologised, but he should never again attempt to offend any Sikh or any religion. We hold all religions in high regard, be it Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, or Christianity…,” Harbhajan added.
What did Kamran do?
Akmal, who is currently part of a Pakistani channel’s cricket panel for the ICC T20 World Cup, made fun of Arshdeep as the Indian pacer prepared to bowl the final over of the India vs Pakistan match.
“Kuch bhi ho sakta hai…12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen, it’s 12 already),” Akmal said laughing.
“Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over when it is 12),” another guest on the show could be heard adding to Akmal’s joke.
While Akmal made racial jokes about Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer went on to bowl an excellent last over that helped India win the match, despite posting a modest target of 120.
As the video clip of Akmal’s inappropriate joke went viral, Harbhajan posted a message on his X account and slammed the Pakistani ex-cricketer.
“Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal (Shame on you Kamran Akmal).You should know the history of Sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth,” wrote Harbhajan.
After getting lashed by the Indian cricketer, Akmal promptly released an apology statement and owned up his mistake.
“I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize 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. #Respect #Apology,” wrote Akmal.
Akmal is not the first Pakistani cricketer to have made controversial statements, Last year, Abdul Razzaq was caught in hot waters for making sexist remarks on Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
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