Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recently gave a stern response to ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, who had made a racist joke about Sikhs during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match. Akmal’s attempt to demean Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh led to a backlash on social media, prompting Harbhajan to deliver a history lesson in response.
Despite Akmal issuing an apology later, Harbhajan launched another pointed attack on the Pakistani cricketer, calling him ‘Nalaayak’ (incompetent).
During a panel discussion on the match, Akmal made the controversial remark: “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. Arshdeep Singh will bowl the last over; he hasn’t looked in a great rhythm. And it is already 12).” This comment, perceived as derogatory and insensitive, sparked outrage among fans and former players alike.
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In an effort to mitigate the backlash, Akmal issued an apology stating, “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.”
However, Harbhajan Singh was not appeased by the apology. In a video shared by ANI, he criticized Akmal’s comments, emphasizing the importance of respecting all religions.
#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
He added, “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?”
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Harbhajan continued, recounting the historical significance of Sikhs: “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 apologized, 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.”
Harbhajan’s passionate response highlights the importance of sensitivity and respect in public discourse, especially regarding religious and cultural sentiments. His comments underline the need for mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities.
