Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has taken to social media to refute allegations made by former Pakistan skipper Inzamam Ul Haq. In a viral interview, Inzamam claimed that Harbhajan was so impressed by Maulana Tariq Jameel that he considered converting to Islam.

“We had a room where prayers were conducted. Maulana Tariq Jameel used to visit us in the evening and lead us into a namaz. After a few days, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif and Zaheer Khan also started coming. Four other Indian cricketers sat and watched us,” Inzamam Ul Haq said in the interview.

“Harbhajan, who was unaware that Tariq Jameel was a maulana, said that ‘I am impressed with this man and want to follow his words’,” he added.

In response, Harbhajan Singh took to Twitter to vehemently deny Inzamam’s claims. “Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh.. yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai,” he wrote.

Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai ? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh..yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai 😡😡😡🤬🤬 https://t.co/eo6LN5SmWk

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 14, 2023

The controversy surrounding Inzamam’s remarks comes amidst an already strained relationship between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the former skipper. Inzamam resigned as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee in October following allegations of conflict of interest.

The PCB accepted Inzamam’s resignation and stated that it would conduct a transparent inquiry into the matter.

Harbhajan’s denial of Inzamam’s claims further highlights the delicate nature of the relationship between the two cricketing nations. While both countries share a passion for the sport, they also have a complex history that often spills over into the cricketing arena.