T20 World Cup 2024: Kamran Akmal Makes Objectionable Remarks on Sikh Cricketer Arshdeep Singh, Stirs Controversy

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In a dramatic showdown at the T20 World Cup, India triumphed over Pakistan by six runs, fortifying their position in the Super-Eight stage with two consecutive wins. Also read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup | Most Wickets | Most Sixes | Complete Points Table

However, the victory was soon marred by controversial remarks made by former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal and Pakistani sports journalist Shahid Hashmi about Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh.

During the tense finale, as Pakistan chased a target of 119 runs, the Indian bowling attack was under intense scrutiny. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar 19th over, conceding only three runs, leaving Pakistan needing 18 runs in the final over. The responsibility to bowl the crucial 20th over fell on Arshdeep Singh, who managed to restrict Pakistan to 11 runs, securing a narrow victory for India.

It was during this critical juncture that Akmal and Hashmi made disparaging comments about Arshdeep Singh on a Pakistani news channel. Both suggested that Arshdeep should not have bowled the final over because of him being a Sikh.

Kamran Akmal was heard saying before the final over when 18 runs were needed off it: "Kuch bhi ho sakta hai... 12 baj gaye hai... kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over. (Aything can happen, It's 12 past midnight, a Sikh shouldn't bowl after midnight)."

These comments have sparked outrage among fans on social media, who have been vocally critical of the duo. An ex-user named Ayush shared a video of the incident, condemning Kamran Akmal's remarks as particularly offensive.

The match itself was a nail-biter, with the last four overs providing high drama. Pakistan needed 35 runs off 24 balls when Hardik Pandya bowled the 17th over, dismissing Shadab Khan and conceding only five runs. Mohammed Siraj followed with the 18th over, giving away nine runs, bringing Pakistan's target down to 21 runs from 12 balls.

Jasprit Bumrah then turned the tide in India's favour with a remarkable 19th over, allowing just three runs and dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed. This left Pakistan at 102 for six, needing 18 runs from the final over. Despite the pressure, Arshdeep Singh delivered a composed performance, conceding only 11 runs, thus sealing India's seventh win over Pakistan in eight T20 World Cup encounters.

Bumrah's exceptional bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, having taken three crucial wickets. This victory also marked India's 15th win over Pakistan across both ODI and T20 World Cups, highlighting their dominance in World Cup history. For Pakistan, this defeat was their second consecutive loss in the T20 World Cup 2024, further complicating their campaign.