Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal made distasteful remarks on India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh during the match between the two arch-rivals in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday.
Kamran, who was part of ARY News' cricket panel, made fun of Arshdeep over his religion before he was going to bowl the final over of the match in New York.
"Kuch bhi ho sakta hai... 12 baj gaye hai," Akmal said before bursting into laughter. "Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over," another guest on the show then added to Akmal's joke.
Harbhajan Singh Warns Kamran Akmal
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his anger towards Kamran Akmal through a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Harbhajan warned Akmal, saying, "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, often at 12 o'clock. Shame on you… Have some gratitude."
Kamran Akmal Apologises
In a latest update to the incident, Kamran Akmal has now aplogised to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community for his disrespectful behaviour
In a X post, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper writes, "I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry."
But netizens did not find the funny side of it and took to social media to slam the former wicketkeeper-batter.
India snatch victory from jaws of defeat
Pakistan needed 18 runs in the final over bowled by Arshdeep with 4 wickets in hand but they could only manage 11 runs, with the bowler striking on his very first delivery with Imad Wasim's wicket.
Arshdeep was finished with 1 wicket for 31 runs from his 4 overs as India successfully defended 120 after getting bowled out for 119 at the Nassau County Stadium.
India topped the Group A points table after the win while Pakistan slumped to fourth position behind Canada after losing their second match in a row. The Men in Green had earlier been defeated in the Super Over by co-hosts USA in their first match of the tournament.
