New York [US], Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday criticized former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal, terming his inappropriate comments against Sikhs as "childish" and asked if Akmal knew about the history of the community.
The veteran spinner said that Akmal should never again try to hurt anyone's religious sentiments and should avoid making fun of anyone's religion.
Akmal made controversial comments about Arshdeep Singh during a show on ARY News, which covered the India-Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup match. During the show, the Pakistani cricketer used "Kuch bhi ho sakta...12 baj gaye hai".
His comments sparked widespread outrage, following which Akmal issued an apology on Monday.Criticizing Akmal, Harbhajan said such comments could only be made by an "incompetent" person.
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, "This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act which only an 'incompetent' person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone's religion and make fun of it.'' I want to ask Kamran Akmal whether he knows the history of Sikhs, who are Sikhs and what Sikhs have done to your community. , Ask your ancestors what work they did to save your mothers and sisters, Sikhs used to attack Mughals at 12 and save your mothers and sisters, so stop talking nonsense.”
The former cricketer said, "It is good that he understood so quickly and apologized, but he should never try to hurt any Sikh or any religion. We respect all religions, be it Hinduism Be it Islam, Sikhism or Christianity."
Akmal faced heavy criticism after his remarks, after which he finally had to apologize.He expressed his 'deep regret' and said he had "the utmost respect" for Sikhs around the world.
"I deeply regret my recent comments and I sincerely apologize to @Harbhajan_Singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and insulting. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs around the world and I never intended to offend anyone. Didn't mean to. I'm really sorry.#Respect #Apology,” Kamran Akmal posted on X on Monday following the backlash.
https://x.com/ANI/status/1800754073408336110
Harbhajan Singh was among the first cricket names to deeply condemn Akmal's comments.
"Damn you Kamran Akhmal. Before opening your dirty mouth you should know the history of Sikhs. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were kidnapped by invaders, time was always 12 o'clock.Shame on you... show some gratitude,” Singh posted on X, followed by angry emojis.
In the match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Stadium on Sunday, India defended a modest score of 120 and defeated the arch-rivals by six runs in a low-scoring thriller.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his explosive spell.
The veteran spinner said that Akmal should never again try to hurt anyone's religious sentiments and should avoid making fun of anyone's religion.
Akmal made controversial comments about Arshdeep Singh during a show on ARY News, which covered the India-Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup match. During the show, the Pakistani cricketer used "Kuch bhi ho sakta...12 baj gaye hai".
His comments sparked widespread outrage, following which Akmal issued an apology on Monday.Criticizing Akmal, Harbhajan said such comments could only be made by an "incompetent" person.
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, "This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act which only an 'incompetent' person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone's religion and make fun of it.'' I want to ask Kamran Akmal whether he knows the history of Sikhs, who are Sikhs and what Sikhs have done to your community. , Ask your ancestors what work they did to save your mothers and sisters, Sikhs used to attack Mughals at 12 and save your mothers and sisters, so stop talking nonsense.”
The former cricketer said, "It is good that he understood so quickly and apologized, but he should never try to hurt any Sikh or any religion. We respect all religions, be it Hinduism Be it Islam, Sikhism or Christianity."
Akmal faced heavy criticism after his remarks, after which he finally had to apologize.He expressed his 'deep regret' and said he had "the utmost respect" for Sikhs around the world.
"I deeply regret my recent comments and I sincerely apologize to @Harbhajan_Singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and insulting. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs around the world and I never intended to offend anyone. Didn't mean to. I'm really sorry.#Respect #Apology,” Kamran Akmal posted on X on Monday following the backlash.
https://x.com/ANI/status/1800754073408336110
Harbhajan Singh was among the first cricket names to deeply condemn Akmal's comments.
"Damn you Kamran Akhmal. Before opening your dirty mouth you should know the history of Sikhs. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were kidnapped by invaders, time was always 12 o'clock.Shame on you... show some gratitude,” Singh posted on X, followed by angry emojis.
In the match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Stadium on Sunday, India defended a modest score of 120 and defeated the arch-rivals by six runs in a low-scoring thriller.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his explosive spell.
