“Kamran Akmal issued a public apology to Harbhajan Singh for disrespecting Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India vs. Pakistan match.”

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal extended a heartfelt apology to Harbhajan Singh for his “inappropriate and disrespectful” remarks regarding India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match. Akmal expressed his “truly sorry” for his comments about the Sikh community, which elicited an angry reaction from Harbhajan on social media.

“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,” Akmal wrote on X, tagging the former India cricketer.

In a video shared by Harbhajan, the ex-Pakistan cricketer, while participating in a panel discussion on ARY News (a Pakistani news channel), made a contentious statement regarding Arshdeep’s religion.”Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… Dekhe last over karna Arshdeep Singh ne hai. Waise uska rhythm nahi laga. 12 baj 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 while laughing with other panelists on the show.

The remarks were made during the 19th over of Pakistan’s pursuit in Sunday’s India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Harbhajan was not pleased with the comments. The former Indian off-spinner criticized Akmal severely for his words.”Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before you open your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude,” he wrote.

When tasked with defending 17 runs in the final over, Arshdeep performed exceptionally well, conceding only 11 runs and securing a six-run victory for India. The left-arm pacer also took the crucial wicket of Imad Wasim with the first delivery of the over, finishing with figures of 1/31 in his four overs. The Indian bowlers successfully defended a modest total against Pakistan.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat by Pakistan captain Babar Azam, India did not have an ideal start. Openers Virat Kohli (4) and Rohit Sharma (13) struggled to score on a slow New York pitch that offered significant seam movement early in the game.

Rishabh Pant (42 off 31 balls, including six fours) played aggressively and had some luck on his side to get the Indian innings going. He formed valuable partnerships with Axar Patel (20 off 18 balls, with two fours and a six) and Suryakumar Yadav (7 off 8 balls). However, the lower middle order faltered, leading to India being bowled out for 119 in 19 overs.

Haris Rauf (3/21) and Naseem Shah (3/21) were the standout bowlers for Pakistan. Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one. In their run chase, Pakistan adopted a cautious approach. Mohammad Rizwan (31 off 44 balls, with a four and a six) anchored one end. However, crucial wickets from Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24), including those of Babar Azam (13), Fakhar Zaman (13), Shadab Khan (4), and Iftikhar Ahmed (5), prevented Pakistan from gaining momentum. Bumrah was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his decisive bowling performance