Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has issued an apology to India veteran Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community following backlash over a racist joke he made about the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Kamran Akmal takes an inappropriate jibe at Arshdeep Singh and the Sikh community

Akmal’s comments against Arshdeep were made during a panel discussion on ARY News during the T20 World Cup 2024 match between India and Pakistan in New York.

Akmal’s comment, which targeted Arshdeep as he was about to bowl the final over of Pakistan’s innings, sparked a massive uproar on social media.

“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 on the show.

Harbhajan, who has played numerous matches against Akmal, responded sharply to the insult, reminding him of the Sikh community’s glorious past and contributions.

“Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. 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,” Harbhajan wrote on X.

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 @KamiAkmal23 😡😡🤬 https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 10, 2024

Also READ: ‘Ab inke muh mein chusni daalenge kya hum?’: Wasim Akram slams Pakistan after T20 World Cup loss to India

Kamran Akmal responds to Harbhajan Singh’s strong words

Realizing the gravity of his words, Akmal publicly apologized to Harbhajan and the Sikh community.

“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,” tweeted Akmal.

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

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) June 10, 2024

Talking about the match, India registered a thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan. Chasing a target of 120, Pakistan were restricted to 113/7, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering an impressive performance, taking three wickets for just 14 runs.

Also READ: “Goodbye forever, I’m done with this shit” – Pakistan celebs react to their team’s loss to India in T20 World Cup 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.