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Watch: Harbhajan Singh, Kamran Akmal Face Off In WCL Game After Sikh Remark Controversy

Kamran Akmal’s contentious remarks about Sikhs, made last month on a Pakistani TV show while discussing Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh during the T20 World Cup, sparked widespread outrage and angered former Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh. Nearly a month later, the two encountered each other during the India vs Pakistan match at the ‘World Championship of […]

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Watch: Harbhajan Singh, Kamran Akmal Face Off In WCL Game After Sikh Remark Controversy

Kamran Akmal’s contentious remarks about Sikhs, made last month on a Pakistani TV show while discussing Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh during the T20 World Cup, sparked widespread outrage and angered former Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh. Nearly a month later, the two encountered each other during the India vs Pakistan match at the ‘World Championship of Legends’ (WCL) tournament in Birmingham on Saturday.

The two former on-field rivals were spotted in a serious conversation after the match, a moment that was recorded on video from a distance and subsequently shared on social media. Harbhajan appeared very animated during the discussion, attempting to convey something to his Pakistani counterpart, though the topic of their conversation remains unknown.

The controversy arose when Akmal made his contentious remark during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against India, which India won by six runs. Pakistan was subsequently eliminated from the tournament.

Reacting to Akmal’s comment, Harbhajan had said: “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 if he knows the history of Sikhs, who are Sikhs and all the work that Sikhs have done to save your community, your mothers and 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.”

Akmal later apologised for his words.
“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 had posted on X after the backlash.
In the WCL match on Saturday, Pakistan triumphed over India by 68 runs. Akmal led the scoring for Pakistan with 77 runs off 40 balls, while his opening partner Sharjeel Khan also shone with 72 off 30 balls. The pair added 145 runs for the first wicket in 10.5 overs. Sohaib Maqsood contributed with 51 runs off 26 balls. In response, India managed only 175 for 9, with Suresh Raina scoring 52 off 40 balls and Ambati Rayudu adding 39 off 23 balls. Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik each took three wickets to help Pakistan limit India.
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