"Only a Nalaayak..." - Harbhajan Singh launches attack on Kamran Akmal despite public apology for disrespecting Sikh community.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh criticized former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal once more for his disrespectful remarks about the Sikh religion. Harbhajan Singh called Kamran Akmal 'Nalaayak,' despite a public apology from the former Pakistan cricketer for his insensitive comment.

Team India defeated Pakistan by a narrow six runs during the T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York on Sunday, June 9. Pacer Arshdeep Singh successfully defended 18 runs in the final over of the match. The Pakistan team managed to score 113 runs for the loss of seven wickets while chasing a 120-run target.

Kamran Akmal made comments targeting the religion of Arshdeep Singh, who was bowling the final over of the match. Akmal expressed doubts about Singh's rhythm and made fun of the Sikh community by suggesting the match could go either way.

"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 said.

Kamran Akmal promptly apologized after facing criticism from Harbhajan Singh and other former cricketers. He expressed regret for his remarks, acknowledging their inappropriateness and disrespect towards the Sikh community. The 42-year-old clarified that he never intended to hurt anyone.

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

Pakistan commenced their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with consecutive defeats against the United States of America (USA) and India. However, they clinched a victory against Canada in New York on Tuesday, June 11. The Babar Azam-led team moved to third place in Group A, trailing behind India and the USA.

This Is A Very Absurv And Childish Statement - Harbhajan Singh

However, Harbhajan Singh cautioned Kamran Akmal to be mindful of his words in the future, describing his remarks as absurd and childish. Singh stated that mocking any religion is unacceptable, emphasizing respect for all religions.

"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 said while speaking to ANI.

"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 and Kamran Akmal have shared the cricket field during numerous India vs Pakistan matches. They notably clashed during the 2009 Asia Cup match, where Akmal and Gautam Gambhir nearly came to blows. Akmal had a heated argument with Ishant Sharma during a T20I series in India three years later.

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