Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal issued a public apology to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community for his “inappropriate and disrespectful” comments regarding India pacer Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match.
Akmal expressed deep regret for his remarks, acknowledging that they were inappropriate and never intended to hurt anyone. He extended his apologies to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community, emphasizing his utmost respect for Sikhs worldwide.
The controversy arose from a video where Akmal, part of a panel on a Pakistani news channel, made a controversial remark about Arshdeep’s religion during the 19th over of Pakistan’s chase. The remark, implying a lack of faith in Arshdeep’s abilities, drew swift condemnation from Harbhajan Singh, who reminded Akmal of the historical contributions of Sikhs.
Harbhajan’s response prompted Akmal’s apology, where he expressed his sincere remorse and emphasized the importance of respect and gratitude towards all communities.
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh’s performance in the match, defending 17 runs in the last over, showcased his composure and skill, ensuring a crucial victory for India. Despite a challenging batting display, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell, defended a low total to secure the win.
Bumrah’s stellar performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, underscoring India’s dominance in the high-pressure encounter.
The incident serves as a reminder of the significance of mutual respect and understanding in sports, emphasizing the need for players and commentators to uphold the values of sportsmanship and inclusivity.
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
