'Sincerely apologize to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community' - Kamran Akmal apologizes after racist remarks on Arshdeep Singh

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal issued an apology after his insensitive racist comments on Arshdeep Singh's Sikh religion garnered widespread criticism on social media. Harbhajan Singh was one of the renowned faces, who lashed out at the former cricketer for his appalling remark.

For the unversed, Akmal made the error while speaking on a live show in Pakistan during the pulsating India versus Pakistan clash. This remark irated many including Harbhajan, who took to his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle to express his displeasure.

"The last over is supposed to be done by Arshdeep Singh, he can be hit as well, you know it's already 12, no Sikh shall be given after 12," the 42-year-old said during a live show in Pakistan.

"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…Have some Gratitude," Harbhajan retorted to Akmal's remark.

Realising his mistake, Akmal, who represented Pakistan in 268 international matches, put out a tweet apologising for his callous comment. Besides, he also ensured to not miss out on apologizing to the whole community apart from the 'Turbanator'.

"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," Akmal wrote on X.

Also Read: 'We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters' - Harbhajan Singh slams Kamran Akmal for racist remarks on Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep successfully defended for India against Pakistan in the last-over thriller

Meanwhile, the star India pacer Arshdeep Singh had 18 runs to defend in the last over after the penultimate over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, yielded just three runs. While the left-arm seamer had a decent amount of runs to defend, especially on a sluggish surface, he had to contend with the over-rate penalty, where he was just allowed to have four fielders outside the circle. However, he delivered under pressure, bagging the wicket of set batter Imad Wasim off the first ball. Naseem Shah hit a couple of boundaries off the fourth and fifth balls but Pakistan eventually fell short by six runs.

Also Read: 'Let’s be honest, 120 was an easily chaseable target' - Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan missed out on a huge opportunity to beat India

Team India are comfortably placed on top of Group A, with two wins from as many matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan have faced defeats in both their matches so far in the 2024 T20 World Cup and are on the brink of elimination.