Kamran Akmal Reveals Apology Chat with Harbhajan Singh Over Controversial Incidents
During the World Championship of Legends in England, former cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal had a candid conversation that addressed past controversies. Kamran Akmal shared details of their exchange, revealing that both players admitted their mistakes concerning two separate incidents that had previously caused significant uproar.
Kamran Akmal had previously found himself in hot water after making a racially insensitive joke about Sikh cricketer Arshdeep Singh during the T20 World Cup 2024. The joke, made while Akmal was serving as a pundit for a Pakistani channel, quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Harbhajan Singh among others. Akmal later issued a public apology for his remarks.
Reflecting on this incident, Akmal said, “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 emphasized that he had no malicious intent and reiterated his respect for all religions.
The conversation between the two also touched on another incident involving Harbhajan Singh. During the T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa, Harbhajan, serving as a pundit for Star Sports, had laughed during a comparison between Pakistan’s Babar Azam and West Indies legend Brian Lara. This reaction did not sit well with Akmal, who felt that Babar, one of Pakistan’s top batsmen, deserved more respect.
Akmal reported the matter to Harbhajan during their chat, highlighting how inappropriate it was to mock Babar in such a manner. Harbhajan acknowledged his error, agreeing that it was wrong to ridicule Babar.
“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,” Akmal explained.
This candid discussion between Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal highlights the importance of accountability and mutual respect among cricketers. Both players admitted their mistakes, demonstrating their willingness to learn and grow from past errors. Their conversation serves as a reminder that athletes, like everyone else, can make mistakes but can also take steps to make amends and promote a more respectful sporting environment.