Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has issued a public apology after his racial remarks on India pacer Arshdeep Singh sparked widespread outrage.

Akmal's comments were perceived as derogatory towards the Sikh community, prompting strong reactions, particularly from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.

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)," Akmal said while speaking on ARY News.

His remarks didn't sit well with Harbhajan, who tweeted: "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."

In response to the backlash, Kamran Akmal took to social media platform X to offer an unconditional apology.

"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.

Coming to the match, India registered a thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue suffered a mid-innings collapse on a tricky two-paced pitch, resulting in a disappointing total of 119 all-out in 19 overs. Rishabh Pant was the top scorer with 42 off 31 balls.

In reply, Pakistan were cruising at one stage, needing just 48 runs from as many balls with eight wickets in hand. However, the Indian pace battery, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) and Hardik Pandya (2-24), staged a remarkable comeback and restricted the arch-rivals to 113/7 in 20 overs.