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Tag: Harbhajan 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.

  • All You Need To Know About Legends Cricket Trophy 2024’s New 90-Ball Format | cricket news

    The prestigious Legends Cricket Trophy (LCT) 2024 is scheduled from March 8th to 19th, 2024, at the iconic Pallakele Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, this event is set to redefine cricketing spectacles with its brand-new 90-ball format. The Legends Cricket Trophy 2024, featuring a stellar lineup of cricketing icons such as Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, promises an electrifying competition. With teams deploying five bowlers, each granted three overs to showcase their skills, the stage is set for intense showdowns. However, the strategic twist comes into play as one bowler must step up to deliver four overs by the 60th ball, a strategic decision influenced by performance and tactics.

    It’s always great when you get praised by one of the legends of the game! ,

    , See @henrygayle on @mipaltan’ new skipper, @hardikpandya7-his traits, leadership, and future with #TeamIndia! ,

    Will he lead #MI to their 6__th #IPL trophy in #IPLonStar? #Cricket #TATAIPL2024 pic.twitter.com/0ZoNtLcjs3 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 26, 2024

    Adding to the excitement are the Power Play rules, injecting further thrill into the game. The bowling Power Play spans balls 1 to 24, while the batting Power Play can be taken anytime after the 60th ball. Furthermore, Strategic Time-Outs provide teams with strategic breathing spaces, scheduled at the end of the 48th ball, with provisions for an early timeout if a wicket falls between the 42nd and 48th ball.

    Seven teams will compete for the coveted trophy, with each boasting an impressive lineup of retired cricketing legends. From the Candy Samp Army featuring Aaron Finch to the Rajasthan Kings led by Robin Uthappa, the tournament promises iconic match-ups and fierce rivalries. Players like Suresh Raina, Shahid Afridi, and Harbhajan Singh are expected to shine, showcasing their skills in this innovative format.

    The partnership between MagicWin Sports and LCT is poised to revolutionize the cricketing experience for fans worldwide. With extensive reach and expertise in sports broadcasting, MagicWin Sports aims to provide unmatched experiences and unforgettable moments to cricket enthusiasts globally.

  • Responsibility of leading Gujarat Titans will make Hardik Pandya better cricketer and person: Harbhajan Singh

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the responsibility of captaincy will only make Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya a better cricketer and person.

    In IPL 2022, Pandya has been impressive in captaining Gujarat to be the only unbeaten team in the tournament while making 91 runs with the bat and picking two wickets with his pace bowling. The side will be hoping to extend their clean slate when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday.

    “He seems to be relishing his role as a captain and leading the team from the front. He’s performing with the bat for Gujarat Titans and has also started bowling well which are good signs for Team India as well. Look, he aims to make his India comeback and if he can start giving those five-six overs with the ball then it will be a big positive for the national side because they’ll need a player of his calibre in the T20 World Cup in Australia.”

    “I believe that the responsibility of leading a team will only make Hardik a better player, a better captain, and a better person. Something similar happened with Rohit Sharma as well,” said Harbhajan on Cricket Live show on Star Sports.

    Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri too felt that Gujarat stand as favourites to win Monday’s match against Hyderabad and signalled leg-spinner Rashid Khan to do well against his former IPL franchise.

    “The favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Because the way they have played is better than Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the last match so they might build momentum from here but the favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Rashid will want to perform well against Hyderabad. Not only that but he’ll want to win against Hyderabad.”

    In further praise of Pandya, Harbhajan applauded his hard work and dedication for fulfilling his father’s dream of playing for India and declared him a role model for several aspiring cricketers.

    “Hardik’s hard work and dedication to fulfil his father’s dream (to play cricket for India) is inspiring. He has shown what one can achieve through perseverance. Hardik is representing every person who wishes to rise from the bottom and make a mark for himself.”

  • Responsibility of leading Gujarat Titans will make Hardik Pandya better cricketer and person: Harbhajan Singh

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the responsibility of captaincy will only make Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya a better cricketer and person.

    In IPL 2022, Pandya has been impressive in captaining Gujarat to be the only unbeaten team in the tournament while making 91 runs with the bat and picking two wickets with his pace bowling. The side will be hoping to extend their clean slate when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday.

    “He seems to be relishing his role as a captain and leading the team from the front. He’s performing with the bat for Gujarat Titans and has also started bowling well which are good signs for Team India as well. Look, he aims to make his India comeback and if he can start giving those five-six overs with the ball then it will be a big positive for the national side because they’ll need a player of his calibre in the T20 World Cup in Australia.”

    “I believe that the responsibility of leading a team will only make Hardik a better player, a better captain, and a better person. Something similar happened with Rohit Sharma as well,” said Harbhajan on Cricket Live show on Star Sports.

    Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri too felt that Gujarat stand as favourites to win Monday’s match against Hyderabad and signalled leg-spinner Rashid Khan to do well against his former IPL franchise.

    “The favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Because the way they have played is better than Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the last match so they might build momentum from here but the favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Rashid will want to perform well against Hyderabad. Not only that but he’ll want to win against Hyderabad.”

    In further praise of Pandya, Harbhajan applauded his hard work and dedication for fulfilling his father’s dream of playing for India and declared him a role model for several aspiring cricketers.

    “Hardik’s hard work and dedication to fulfil his father’s dream (to play cricket for India) is inspiring. He has shown what one can achieve through perseverance. Hardik is representing every person who wishes to rise from the bottom and make a mark for himself.”

    MUMBAI: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the responsibility of captaincy will only make Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya a better cricketer and person.

    In IPL 2022, Pandya has been impressive in captaining Gujarat to be the only unbeaten team in the tournament while making 91 runs with the bat and picking two wickets with his pace bowling. The side will be hoping to extend their clean slate when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday.

    “He seems to be relishing his role as a captain and leading the team from the front. He’s performing with the bat for Gujarat Titans and has also started bowling well which are good signs for Team India as well. Look, he aims to make his India comeback and if he can start giving those five-six overs with the ball then it will be a big positive for the national side because they’ll need a player of his calibre in the T20 World Cup in Australia.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “I believe that the responsibility of leading a team will only make Hardik a better player, a better captain, and a better person. Something similar happened with Rohit Sharma as well,” said Harbhajan on Cricket Live show on Star Sports.

    Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri too felt that Gujarat stand as favourites to win Monday’s match against Hyderabad and signalled leg-spinner Rashid Khan to do well against his former IPL franchise.

    “The favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Because the way they have played is better than Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the last match so they might build momentum from here but the favourite will be Gujarat Titans. Rashid will want to perform well against Hyderabad. Not only that but he’ll want to win against Hyderabad.”

    In further praise of Pandya, Harbhajan applauded his hard work and dedication for fulfilling his father’s dream of playing for India and declared him a role model for several aspiring cricketers.

    “Hardik’s hard work and dedication to fulfil his father’s dream (to play cricket for India) is inspiring. He has shown what one can achieve through perseverance. Hardik is representing every person who wishes to rise from the bottom and make a mark for himself.”

  • Have offers from political parties, will think wisely: Harbhajan Singh

    By ANI

    JALANDHAR: A day after retiring from all forms of cricket, spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday revealed that he has offers from multiple political parties to join them, but he will get into politics only after making up his mind.

    Harbhajan had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. The 41-year-old spinner has played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Men in Blue. He scalped 294 wickets in limited-overs cricket.

    ALSO READ | The Turbanator bids farewell: Harbhajan retires from all forms of cricket

    “Future plan is something I have not decided, I will stay connected with cricket, it is because of cricket, that people know me. As far as my political career is concerned, I will reveal it myself. Whenever it happens, I will let everyone know,” Harbhajan said during a press conference on Saturday.

    “To be honest, I have not thought about it. I have offers from different parties to join them but I will have to sit and think very wisely. It won’t be a small decision because it is a demanding job. I do not want to do it half-heartedly. The day I think I am prepared to do it, I will go for it,” he added.

    Harbhajan had played his last red-ball match against Sri Lanka in 2015 while his last ODI was against South Africa in the same year. His last game for India was a T20I against UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup. Since then, he was not picked for the Indian side. Harbhajan retires after scalping 417 wickets in 103 Tests at an average of 32.46.

    I know politicians from every party. I’ll make an announcement beforehand if I’ll join any party. Will serve Punjab, maybe via politics or something else, no decision has been taken yet:India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday pic.twitter.com/TTOd5lSRNW
    — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2021
    “If I did not have cricket, I would not have reached this level. God has been really kind to me. My journey has been amazing, I will try to play the Legends League, I have not thought about playing in overseas leagues. The point of retirement is to spend more time with your family and this is something that I will look to do. If I had to play competitive cricket, I could have played IPL. I feel this is the right time to retire,” said Harbhajan.

    Earlier, Punjab Congress leader and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu had set off speculations after he tweeted a photo of himself with fellow cricketer Harbhajan Singh months ahead of the Assembly polls in the state.

    “Picture loaded with possibilities ….With Bhajji the shining star,” Sidhu captioned the photo of himself draped in a shawl with Harbhajan Singh dressed in a jacket.

    Talking about this post, Harbhajan said, “It was a casual meeting, the polls are near so I understood why people started speculating, but there is nothing to speculate. If I enter politics, I will let everyone know.” 

  • Navjot Singh Sidhu posts picture with Harbhajan Singh on Twitter, triggers speculation

    By PTI

    CHANDIGarh: Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday posted on Twitter a picture of him with former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, setting off speculation about the veteran off-spinner joining the party ahead of the state assembly polls.

    “Picture loaded with possibilities. With Bhajji the shining star,” Sidhu said in his tweet.

    Later when reporters asked Sidhu about the picture, he said, “Listen to me, this photo explains everything. What I said, loaded with possibilities, there are many possibilities and they are possible.”

    The Punjab Assembly elections are due early next year.

    A few days ago, Harbhajan Singh had dismissed speculation that he and former cricketer Yuvraj Singh could join the BJP as “fake news”.

    Picture loaded with possibilities …. With Bhajji the shining star pic.twitter.com/5TWhPzFpNl
    — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) December 15, 2021

  • IPL 2021: KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy learns tricks of the trade from ‘teacher’ Harbhajan

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Harbhajan Singh might still be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League, but that doesn’t stop him from mentoring the young spinners in the franchise.

    KKR on Saturday shared a picture in which the senior off-spinner was seen giving valuable tips to leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The right-handed leg spinner had bagged 17 wickets in last year’s IPL and was a key cog in KKR’s bowling wheel.

    “Not many better teachers of the craft than @harbhajan_singh,” KKR tweeted.

    Earlier this week, Harbhajan said that there is nothing wrong with Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling and he felt the left-arm spin bowler would regain his form.

    ALSO READ | Mystery solved, Varun Chakravarthy certainly is ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay fan!

    Kuldeep hasn’t been at his best form off late and Harbhajan reckons that the spinner will come good both for KKR and Team India.

    “When he entered the Indian team, no one taught him how to bowl. Whatever he did was his own merit reflecting in his bowling. The merit is still there and he has only gotten better with time,” Harbhajan told kkr.in.

    “There are times when you bowl good spells and yet you don’t get wickets. It happened with all the renowned bowlers. I don’t see anything wrong with Kuldeep. He has been a match-winner and I know he is going to come good for KKR and also Team India soon,” he added.

    In their second match of ongoing IPL, Mumbai Indians defeated KKR by 10 runs thanks to a spirited bowling performance from the Rohit Sharma-led side. Russell’s five-wicket haul saw Mumbai Indians bundled out for 152 after batsman Suryakumar Yadav’s (56) quickfire knock. In response, KKR was restricted to 142/7.

    KKR will next lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. 

  • IPL 2021: Merit still there in Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling, there’s nothing wrong, says Harbhajan Singh

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Harbhajan Singh said that there is nothing wrong with Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling and he reckons the left-arm spin bowler would regain his form.

    KKR registered a win in their opening match of the IPL 2021 season after defeating SunRisers Hyderabad by 10 runs on Sunday. Eoin Morgan’s side will next take on Mumbai Indians later today at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

    “It’s been three-four years since I left Mumbai Indians. I was there with CSK for the last couple of years. But this season I am playing for Ami KKR, and I am going to do whatever I had been doing for MI and CSK, and even better to help KKR get the Cup. I am hoping this is my time to be in the purple form! So yeah, good to be in purple,” Harbhajan told kkr.in.

    Talking about Kuldeep Yadav who hasn’t been at his best off late, Harbhajan said: “When he entered the Indian team, no one taught him how to bowl. Whatever he did was his own merit reflecting in his bowling. The merit is still there and he has only gotten better with time.”

    “There are times when you bowl good spells and yet you don’t get wickets. It happened with all the renowned bowlers. I don’t see anything wrong with Kuldeep. He has been a match-winner and I know he is going to come good for KKR and also Team India soon,” he added.

    Harbhajan just bowled one over against SunRisers Hyderabad and he bowled the opening over of the SunRisers innings against David Warner and Wriddhiman Saha. But after, Harbhajan was not called back to bowl.

    “Whenever I see I need to chip in with my knowledge when it comes to talking to the spinners or even batters on how to play certain shots against spinner, I do talk to them and try to contribute whatever way I can. I want to give it all I have to the team so that they can be better at their own game,” said Harbhajan.

  • Confident that Harbhajan Singh will do good job for KKR: Dinesh Karthik

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has said picking spinner Harbhajan Singh was not easy and he also added that the veteran looks like a ‘different man’ now.

    The Turbanator will turn 41 this July but he still has the passion to perform and succeed at the highest level. The IPL 2021 is slated to kickoff from April 9 and KKR will play their first match on April 11 against SunRisers Hyderabad in Chennai.

    “Picking him I think wasn’t easy, considering that he has been around for so long. But the amount of interest and intensity he has shown in the last one week is just fabulous. He has been coming to practice sessions early, much ahead of all other players! And he has been doing it consistently! I think he is a different man now from whatever little I have seen of him this week,” the official website of KKR quoted Karthik as saying.

    “Even in a practice game that starts at 7 PM, he had come at 4 O’clock! He was batting before that, he bowled to Shakib Al Hasan and Eoin Morgan, and then did his stretching again before getting into the practice game. He is bowling in the match and also fielding all 20 overs. That’s about as much as you can ask for from a man of his stature! He has achieved everything. Yet to show this kind of interest at this stage of his career speaks volumes of him as a character. I am sure he will do a great job for KKR,” he added.

    Harbhajan was bought in the 2021 auction for Rs 2 crore by KKR. He has earlier played for Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the past.

    Earlier, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan had said that the addition of Harbhajan will further bolster the spin bowling lineup of the franchise.

    “I think adding Harbhajan to our squad has strengthened our spin department. If you look at our spin department, on paper it is one of the best in the tournament and that is factual. We have to play in Chennai and it can turn there, it can raise the eyebrows of our spinners there. If we do well in the tournament, our spinners would have bowled well,” Morgan had said during a virtual press conference.