Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has denounced former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal as ‘Nalaayak’ following Akmal’s controversial and perceived racist remarks about India pacer Arshdeep Singh during a recent India-Pakistan cricket clash in New York. Harbhajan, acknowledging Akmal’s subsequent apology, warned against repeating such offensive statements.
The incident took place during a panel discussion, where Akmal made a derogatory comment, saying, “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12),” while analysing Arshdeep’s performance. This comment, perceived as an insult towards the Sikh community, led to widespread outrage, with Harbhajan Singh leading the condemnation.
Further, Harbhajan stated, “This is an utterly absurd statement and an incredibly childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ individual can perpetrate. Kamran Akmal must comprehend that there is no necessity to comment on or mock anyone’s religion.”
Harbhajan further educated Akmal on Sikh history and contributions, emphasising, “I would like to inquire of Kamran Akmal whether he is aware of the history of Sikhs, their identity, and the myriad contributions Sikhs have made to safeguard your community, your mothers, and sisters. Consult your ancestors and learn that at the stroke of midnight, the Sikhs would launch attacks on the Mughals to rescue your mothers and sisters, so refrain from spouting nonsense.”
#WATCH | Brooklyn, New York: On former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal's comment over the Sikh community, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh says "This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a 'Nalaayak' person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand… pic.twitter.com/SyCKW59fgf
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2024
The former spinner commended Akmal for his quick apology but stressed the importance of respecting all religions. “It is commendable that he swiftly realized his error and apologized, 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 elaborated.
Kamran Akmal responded to the backlash by issuing a public apology on the social media platform X, expressing regret for his remarks. “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,” Akmal posted.
https://twitter.com/KamiAkmal23/status/1800244723157995924
Harbhajan had earlier expressed his ire on X, saying, “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.”
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
The controversy arose during the high-octane T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in New York, where Arshdeep Singh bowled the final over, securing a six-run victory for India. Akmal’s comment, made in jest, was deemed highly inappropriate, particularly given the sensitive nature of religious sentiments.
