[Watch] Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal come face to face a month after the Pakistani keeper made a racist joke about Sikhs
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was seen having a lengthy chat with Pakistani keeper-batter Kamran Akmal on Saturday, July 6. The two featured in the World Championship of Legends 2024 match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions.
Following the match, Harbhajan and Akmal engaged in a long conversation. The two cricketers were involved in a controversy during the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup after Akmal made a racist joke about Arshdeep Singh.
You can watch the video of Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal chatting below:
Akmal made fun of the Sikh community by suggesting that the 2024 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan could go either way as Arshdeep would be bowling past 12 o'clock. Harbhajan was miffed with the veteran wicketkeeper's remarks and didn't mince his words while slamming him.
Reacting to Akmal's comments, Harbhajan wrote on the microblogging platform 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."
Following Harbhajan Singh's outburst, Kamran Akmal accepted his mistake and apologized for disrespecting the Sikh community. He 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."
Kamran Akamal received widespread criticism for his racist remarks, with many fans lambasting him for making fun of a community on live television.
Kamran Akmal shone with the bat in the World Championship of Legends 2024 match against India Champions
Pakistan Champions completed a comprehensive 68-run victory over the Harbhajan Singh-led India Champions at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Saturday.
India Champions won the toss and chose to field first. Kamran Akmal notched up a fine half-century in the contest, scoring 77 runs off 40 balls. Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood contributed 72 and 51, respectively, helping their team register 243/4 after 20 overs.
Suresh Raina was the top performer with the bat for India Champions in the run-chase, finishing with 52 runs in 40 deliveries. Ambati Rayudu also chipped in with a 39-run knock off 23 balls.
However, it wasn't enough as India Champions' innings ended at 175/9 in 20 overs, suffering their maiden loss in the tournament. Pakistan Champions, on the other hand, are currently unbeaten after three matches.