During the recently held T20 World Cup 2024, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal grabbed the headlines 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.
Almost a month later, Akmal and Harbhajan came face to face during the India versus Pakistan match at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) tournament in Birmingham.
Following the match, their conversation was captured on video and widely shared on social media platforms.
Speaking to Paktv.tv, Akmal opened up their conversation, saying that he apologised for distasteful comments towards the Sikh religion and also asked Harbhajan Singh to not troll Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
"(Mujhse galti hui thi aur wahi ek baat chal rahi thi) I made a mistake, and that was the only topic being discussed. It was never my intention, and I can never think negatively about anyone's religion. I have made that clear. It should be done because I am younger, they are seniors and a great off-spinner in Indian and world cricket," Akmal stated.
"Then we talked, and you might have seen Babar being mocked. No doubt, Babar is also a great batsman in Pakistan cricket; he has scored the most hundreds for Pakistan. No doubt, Brian Lara and Babar's class don't match, and they shouldn't be compared. But as cricketers, we shouldn't mock anyone. So I talked about it, and he (Harbhajan) also agreed that it shouldn't have happened from his side either," he added.
Notably, Karman Akmal had made a racist joke at Arshdeep when India took on Pakistan in a tense T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York on June 9.
"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 go down 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.
