Almost a month after former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal’s racist comment on Arshdeep Singh during T20 World Cup 2024 went viral, he played in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2024 match against the Indian team. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh had lashed out at Kamran for the comments he made on live TV. After Pakistan Champions defeated India Champions by 68 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the two former cricketers were seen having a length conversation.
What Kamran said about Arshdeep
"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)," he said and laughed with other panelists on the show.
As the video went viral on social media, Harbhajan responded to it and wrote on his X account: “Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you guys.. Have some Gratitude”
Kamran apologised to Harbhajan and Sikh community
Kamran apologised for his insensitive comments a couple of days after India beat Pakistan by six runs in New York in their group stage game.
"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," the 42-year-old said.
However, Harbhajan went on to give a warning to Kamran and taught him a lesson in history.
"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 said while speaking to ANI.
"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..."
Kamran hits fifty in Pakistan Champions’ big win
Opening for Pakistan Champions, he scored 77 runs from 40 balls including nine fours and four sixes. He shared a 145-run opening partnership with Sharjeel Khan. Meanwhile, Harbhajan was expensive with the bat conceding 27 runs from two overs. India Champions suffered a collapse in the middle overs and managed to post 175/9.
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