Harbhajan cautioned Akmal to refrain from making derogatory comments.
Harbhajan said Akmal should never again try to hurt any religious sentiments and should avoid making fun of anyone’s religion.
As India took on Pakistan in a tense T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York on June 9, Akmal made a racist joke at Arshdeep, who bowled the final over of the match.
"Kuch bhi ho sakta hai... 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12)," he said while speaking on ARY News.
His comments were perceived as derogatory towards the Sikh community, prompting strong reactions, particularly from Harbhajan.
"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," Harbhajan tweeted.
Soon after, Akmal offered an unconditional apology. However, Harbhajan on Wednesday (June 12), in a fresh video, termed Akmal’s statement as ‘absurd’ and a ‘very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do’.
“This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone’s religion and make fun of it,” said Harbhajan in a video posted by ANI.
The 44-year-old went on to ask Kamran Akmal whether he knows the history of Sikhs.
“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 that 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. 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,” he added.
While Harbhajan acknowledged Akmal’s apology, he cautioned the ex-Pakistan cricketer to refrain from making such distasteful comments.
“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,” he remarked.