India beat Pakistan in a nail-biting encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. The Men in Blue emerged victorious by six runs, successfully defending their score of 119.
Arshdeep Singh bowled the final over of the run chase for India, helping India win the game, keeping a calm head over his shoulders. Arshdeep was given the decisive responsibility by skipper Rohit Sharma, and he passed the test with flying colours.
However, former Pakistan international Kamran Akmal passed a controversial remark during TV show on Arshdeep Singh, during the penultimate over of the run chase, which has now attracted criticism.
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What remark did Kamran Akmal pass on Arshdeep Singh during India vs Pakistan match?
Arshdeep Singh is a practicing Sikh by religion. On a live show for media outlet ARY News, Kamran Akmal passed a derogatory remark that is widely used to belittle the Sikh community and is considered a racial slur.
Akmal used the 'Baarah baj Gaye hai' reference on Arshdeep Singh to demean his religious beliefs.
Anything can happen (in the game). See, the last over is to be bowled by Arshdeep Singh. He does not look in good rhythm, but anyway. 'Baarah baj Gaye hai', so you never know, Kamran Akmal joked on national television.
Absolutely disgusting, hateful and deplorable statements by Pakistani specialists including former Pak cricketer Kamran Akmal covering #INDVPAK match against Indian player Arshdeep Singh because he is Sikh. pic.twitter.com/1GFrIsImWT
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 10, 2024
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Former India international, and a practicing Sikh, Harbhajan Singh slammed Kamran Akmal for his 'joke' on the Sikh community. The Turbanator did not hold back on X, visibly upset over the remark made by Akmal.
Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you guys.. Have some Gratitude, he wrote on X.
After being on the receiving end of huge criticism, Akmal took to X to apologise to the entire Sikh community for offending them with his remark.
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 (@KamiAkmal23) June 10, 2024
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What is the 'Baarah baj gaye hai' reference on Sikhs, and why should you never use it?
As per historians, 'Baarah baj gaye hai' was the reference time used by Sikhs to save Hindu and Muslim women from the captivity of Nader Shah, the Shah of Persia.
With Shah and his army sleeping at night, the Sikhs planned to rescue women as soon as the clock struck midnight. 'Baarah baj gaye hai' - literal translation, the clock has struck twelve - was an indication for the Sikhs, to go for the rescue mission.
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However, over time, the reference has been used to target the Sikh community and to imply that they would do something stupid at 12 o'clock (baarah baj gaye).
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