News Analysis India

Tag: Arshdeep Singh

  • ‘Only a worthless person…’: Harbhajan Singh on Kamran Akmal’s controversial comment on Sikh community and Arshdeep Singh | Cricket News

    Former India bowler Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday lambasted former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal, terming his inappropriate comments against the Sikh community as “childish”. Singh questioned the former cricketer about his knowledge of the history that Sikh community has and expressed that he should never mock or disrespect any religious sentiments.

    Akmal made controversial comments about Arshdeep Singh during a show on ARY News that covered the India-Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup match. During the show, the Pakistani cricketer used a “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai…12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12).” (Pakistan Captains To Beat India In ICC Events – In Pics)

    His remarks sparked widespread outrage after which Akmal issued an apology on Monday. Slamming Akmal, Harbhajan said that such remarks can be uttered only by a “Naalayak” (incompetent) person.

    Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, “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. 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.”

    #WATCH | Brooklyn, New York: On former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal’s comment over the Sikh community, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh says “This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand… pic.twitter.com/SyCKW59fgf

    ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2024

    “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,” the former cricketer added.

    Akmal faced a huge backlash after his remarks, which finally prompted him to apologize. He expressed his ‘deep regret’ and said he has “utmost respect” for Sikhs worldwide.

    “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,” Kamran Akmal posted on X following the backlash on Monday.

    Harbhajan Singh was among the first cricketing names to issue a deep condemnation of Akmal’s remarks.

    “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 was invariably 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude,” Singh posted on X, followed by angry emojis.

    In the match between India and Pakistan at Nassau County International Stadium on Sunday, India defended a mild total of 120 runs and defeated the arch-rivals by six runs in a low-scoring thriller. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his fiery spell.

  • Kamran Akmal Apologises For Racist Remark Towards Arshdeep Singh During India vs Pakistan Match | Cricket News

    Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has issued an unconditional apology to Harbhajan Singh for making “inappropriate and disrespectful” remarks about India pacer Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match. Akmal expressed that he was “truly sorry” for his comments concerning Sikhs, which provoked a strong reaction from Harbhajan on social media.

    “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 on X, tagging the former India cricketer. (Shoaib Malik Demads Resignation From Babar Azam After Defeat Against India In T20 World Cup 2024)

    In a video reposted by Harbhajan, the former Pakistan cricketer, who was part of a panel on ARY News (A Pakistani news channel), made a controversial remark about Arshdeep’s religion. “Anything can happen… Look, Arshdeep Singh has to bowl the last over. However, he did not have the rhythm. 12 o’clock gaye hai (Anything can happen. The last over will be bowled by Arshdeep Singh; he hasn’t looked in a great rhythm. And It is already 12),” Akmal said while laughing with other panellists on the show.

    The comments were made during the 19th over of Pakistan’s chase in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match on Sunday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

    His remarks didn’t sit well with Harbhajan. The former India off-spinner lambasted Akmal. “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 was invariably 12 o’clock. Shame on you. ..Have some gratitude,” he wrote.

  • India’ T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Who Are The Confirmed Names? Who Are The Contenders Vying For A Spot? , cricket news

    India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: India’s selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is going to have some sleepless nights ahead of the squad announcement for the T20 World Cup 2024. Except for a few names, one cannot for sure still say that this is going to. be the squad that will be in USA and West Indies for the mega event. There have been some outstanding performances in IPL 2024 which will make the job of the selectors even more tough. The tournament starts in June and the squad is likely to be announced by the start of May.

    Some of the names who are almost confirmed are veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav as the leading wrist spinner. Arshdeep Singh has had a good IPL so far, so he should too make the cut. But there are still nine spots up for grabs.

    Will Hardik Pandya get picked?

    Hardik Pandya, the batting all-rounder, is not in great form either with bat or ball which is a huge concern. However, if he is bowling and batting without any discomfort, Hardik should make the cut. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are two names who are fighting for one spot in India playing 11 at the World Cup. But selectors may opt to take both of them to WC as backups for each other. Shivam should easily make it as he can bowl too.

    Three-way battle really for keeper’s slot

    The fight is for the wicketkeeper’s slot. There are six contenders in the form of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik. But the real battle mostly should be between Pant, Samson and Rahul. One or maybe two of them could be picked, depending upon what roles they are told to play.

    The bowling department: Tough fight among pacers

    Kuldeep should definitely be the first choice wrist spinner. But India will need another spinner, maybe a wrist or a finger spinner. It could be a battle between Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal who make the cut.

    Then came the pacers. Apart from Bumrah and Arshdeep, India will need 2 more pacers. These two names are very hard to pick. Delhi Capitals’ Khaleel Ahmed, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan, Punjab Kings’ Harshal Patel, and even Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar have become contenders for the spot.

    With no Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj completely out of form, India will have to make a bold choice. Mayank Yadav can be a surprise and bold pick but also a risky one. He has an X-factor which is his extreme pace. But he also lacks experience.

    India’s likely T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Sanju Samson/KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Two more pacers and one spinner

  • Iftikhar Ahmed Gets Angry On Fan For Calling Him ‘Chachu’, Incident Rocks NZ vs PAK 2nd T20I, Vide Goes Viral – WATCH | cricket news

    In a dramatic turn of events during the NZ vs PAK 2nd T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton, senior all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The cricketer, known for his composure, lost his cool when a Pakistani fan referred to him as ‘Chachu.’ The incident, caught on camera, unfolded near the boundary ropes, showcasing a rare heated exchange between a player and a supporter. As Pakistan grappled with New Zealand’s formidable total of 194, Iftikhar Ahmed, stationed near the boundary, faced an unwanted encounter with a vocal fan. The fan, expressing allegiance by saying, “We are your fans,” inadvertently irked Iftikhar, who retorted with a stern “Stay quiet.” The situation escalated quickly, leading to Iftikhar employing strong language to silence the fan, leaving spectators both shocked and intrigued.

    Iftikhar Ahmed got angry When a fan called him “Chachu” Dont call me “Chachu” iftikhar replied.#PAKvsNZ #NZvsPAK #NZvPAK#Iftimania #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/G9DRBBWBxU

    — Rizwan Babar Army (@RizwanBabarArmy) January 14, 2024 Match Overview

    Despite the off-field drama, the match itself witnessed New Zealand posting an imposing total of 194 runs in their 20 overs, courtesy of Finn Allen’s stellar 74-run performance. In response, Pakistan, fueled by Babar Azam’s 66 and Fakhar Zaman’s 50, fell short by 21 runs, losing their second consecutive match in the series.

    Road to Redemption

    With two losses in a row, Pakistan now faces a must-win situation in the upcoming NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I scheduled for January 17 in Dunedin. The pressure is mounting on the Men in Green to secure a victory and stay alive in the series.

    The Viral Moment

    The incident involving Iftikhar Ahmed’s heated exchange with the fan quickly became the talk of the town, circulating on social media platforms. The hashtag ‘Khamosh Reh Ch*****’ trended as cricket enthusiasts expressed their opinions on the altercation, further intensifying the spotlight on the cricketer.