After criticising former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal for his disparaging remarks on the Sikh religion, Harbhajan Singh has now called the former wicketkeeper-batter ‘Nalaayak’ (worthless). Harbhajan had called out Kamran after he made fun of the Sikh religion while discussing Arshdeep Singh’s bowling during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match.
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“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. The last over will be bowled by Arshdeep Singh; he hasn’t looked in a great rhythm. And It is already 12),” Akmal had said on ARY News.
This resulted in a strong reaction from Harbhajan who slammed his Pakistan counterpart on X resulting in an apology from Kamran.
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," 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
Kamran in his apology wrote: “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.”
Now in an interview with the news agency ANI, Harbhajan once again criticised Kamran for his “absurd and childish statement”.
“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,” Harbhajan told ANI.
#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
“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 apologised 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…”