Cricket

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly condemned former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal for his derogatory remarks about Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh during the high-octane India-Pakistan clash in New York on Sunday. Singh, a Sikh, was subjected to online abuse and trolling after he dropped a crucial catch in the match, leading to Akmal's insensitive comments.Harbhajan, known for his outspoken nature, labeled Akmal as "Nalaayak" (worthless) for his "racist" remarks. He emphasized that such transgressions should never be repeated, as they not only hurt individuals but also damage the spirit of sportsmanship."This is an utterly absurd statement and an incredibly childish act that only a 'Nalaayak' individual can perpetrate," Harbhajan said in an interview with ANI. "Kamran Akmal must comprehend that there is no necessity to comment on or mock anyone's religion."Harbhajan went on to remind Akmal of the historical contributions made by Sikhs in protecting the Pakistani community. "I would like to inquire of Kamran Akmal whether he is aware of the history of Sikhs, their identity, and the myriad contributions Sikhs have made to safeguard your community, your mothers, and sisters," he said.Akmal, facing widespread backlash for his comments, issued a public apology on Tuesday. However, Harbhajan stressed that such apologies should not be taken lightly. "It is commendable that he swiftly realized his error and apologized, but he should never again attempt to offend any Sikh or any religion," he said.The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, including the Sikh community. Many have called for Akmal to be held accountable for his actions and for the promotion of religious harmony in sports.

Kamran Akmal Apologizes for Controversial Remarks About Arshdeep SinghFormer Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has issued a public apology after his derogatory comments about Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh sparked widespread outrage. Akmal's remarks, made during a panel discussion on ARY News, were deemed disrespectful and inappropriate, prompting strong reactions, particularly from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.Akmal's contentious remark about Arshdeep's religion during India's high-stakes match against Pakistan, where Arshdeep bowled the final over, drew immediate criticism. Akmal had stated, "Kuch bhi ho sakta hai... 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12)," in a video reposted by Harbhajan Singh. The comment was perceived as derogatory towards the Sikh community.In response to the backlash, Akmal took to social media platform Twitter to issue a sincere apology. "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 posted.Harbhajan Singh had earlier lambasted Akmal for his remarks, expressing his anger and disappointment. "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 invariably was 12 o'clock. Shame on you... Have some Gratitude," Harbhajan wrote on Twitter.The exchange has highlighted the need for sensitivity and respect in sports commentary, especially when addressing cultural and religious contexts. Akmal's apology reflects an acknowledgment of the hurt caused and an attempt to mend relations with the Sikh community and the broader public.

India's quest for an elusive ICC title continues as they embark on the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue are determined to break their title drought that has persisted since 2013.After a disappointing loss in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, India is eager to make amends in the T20 format. They kicked off their campaign with a convincing victory over Ireland, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that team unity is paramount for India's success. "It's about 'we'," he emphasized. "If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win."Rohit Sharma, at 36, is determined to secure an ICC trophy for India. The team's last T20 World Cup victory came in the inaugural edition in 2007, under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Since then, India has reached the final only once, finishing as runners-up in 2014.Harbhajan recalled the team's success in the 2007 tournament, highlighting the importance of collective decision-making. "Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team," he said. "It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'."India's path to the title will not be easy, but they have the experience and talent to challenge for the trophy. With Rohit Sharma at the helm and a united team behind him, India will be hoping to end their ICC title drought and bring home the coveted T20 World Cup.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has identified Suryakumar Yadav as a potential game-changer for India in the ongoing Men's T20 World Cup. Despite a modest performance in India's opening match against Ireland, Yadav's impressive T20I record, with 2,143 runs in 61 matches, including four centuries and 17 fifties, makes him a formidable force.Harbhajan believes Yadav's ability to score quickly and consistently can be crucial for India's success. "He is someone who could be a game-changer for India throughout this tournament," Harbhajan said. "Even though he didn't get going the other day, when he plays those 10 or 15 balls, he will probably score those winning runs for team India."Other former Indian cricketers have also highlighted the importance of key players in the team. Navjot Singh Sidhu has picked fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as his key player, while Lakshmipathy Balaji has included both Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.Bumrah, who was adjudged Player of the Match in India's win over Ireland, is known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets at crucial moments. Pant, on the other hand, has shown his aggressive batting style in the top order, scoring 52 in the warm-up game against Bangladesh and 36 not out in the tournament opener against Ireland.Balaji believes Pant's aggressive approach and Bumrah's bowling prowess make them vital assets for India. "For me, as Rishabh Pant has shown, that kind of aggressive option in the top order, that is probably going to little bit take on the opposition with a number of aggressive options," Balaji said. "At the same time, Bumrah (too is a key player for India)."As India prepares for their highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on Sunday, the team will be looking to their key players to deliver and guide them to victory. Yadav's ability to score quickly, Bumrah's economical bowling, and Pant's aggressive batting could prove to be decisive factors in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory.

The inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to ignite the cricketing world in July, bringing together legendary players from around the globe. Among them, the India Champions team, led by the iconic Yuvraj Singh, will showcase their exceptional skills on the hallowed grounds of England.The WCL, backed by the prestigious England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), aims to provide a credible platform for cricket legends to extend their careers and reignite their passion for the sport. The India Champions squad, unveiled in New Delhi, boasts an impressive roster of former World Cup winners and T20 champions, including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, RP Singh, and Rahul Sharma.The team's owners, Salman Ahmed, Sumant Bahl, and Jaspal Bahra, expressed their pride in owning the India Champions and their commitment to delivering a cricketing spectacle that celebrates India's rich cricketing heritage. They believe the WCL will provide a unique opportunity for senior cricketers to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.Captain Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, expressed his excitement to represent India Champions and play in England once more. He recalled the unforgettable emotions of the NatWest Finals and looked forward to the enthusiastic atmosphere and passionate fans that make playing in the UK a memorable experience.Suresh Raina, unveiling the team jersey, emphasized the inspiring legacy of Indian cricket and the profound sense of nostalgia and passion that England evokes within the squad. He stated that the team's objective is to exhibit cricketing excellence and reaffirm their position as champions and ambassadors of Indian cricket.The India Champions squad is a formidable force, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Irfan Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, and Dhawal Kulkarni complete the 15-member team.The WCL aims to rekindle the nostalgia of past clashes between top international teams and promises to bring the summers early to England with its star-studded lineup. The league will feature legendary players like Bret Lee, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Jacques Kallis, ensuring an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed empathy for Hardik Pandya, who has endured a challenging phase in his career. Pandya's forgettable IPL season as captain and player for Mumbai Indians, coupled with incessant fan jeering, has raised concerns about his form and mental state.However, Harbhajan believes that Pandya will find redemption at the upcoming T20 World Cup. "When he wears that blue jersey, he will be a different Hardik Pandya," Harbhajan said. "He has gone through a lot, and I wish him all the best to have a very good tournament for India."Harbhajan attributed Pandya's struggles to the pressure of captaincy, the team's poor performance, and the change in leadership from Rohit Sharma. He urged the team management to bring Pandya and Rohit on the same page and create a cohesive unit.Regarding India's pace attack, Harbhajan expressed concern about the reliance on Jasprit Bumrah. "Bumrah is in a different league," he said. "He will win you games on any kind of pitch. But other bowlers like Arshdeep and Siraj would need help from conditions."Harbhajan dismissed the significance of IPL form in the T20 World Cup. "This is what counts the most," he said. "If I was in their shoes, I would be looking for this opportunity to showcase that I have been better than what I have been doing."Harbhajan praised Virat Kohli's improved T20 batting, noting his increased strike rate. He emphasized the importance of Kohli and Rohit scoring quickly in the Powerplay while respecting the conditions in the USA and West Indies.Regarding the speculation about Gautam Gambhir becoming India's head coach, Harbhajan said, "The biggest thing a coach can do is to bring everyone together." He ruled out his own candidacy, citing family commitments.

India's decision to include four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts. Former England spinner Graeme Swann has endorsed the move, while ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed reservations.Swann believes that the Caribbean conditions favor spin bowling, making India's decision to select four spinners a wise one. He emphasizes that the slow and low pitches in the region provide an advantage to spinners, who can extract turn and variation.However, Harbhajan questions the need for four spinners, arguing that three would have sufficed. He suggests that India may not field all four spinners in a single match, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the likely trio.India's squad includes Jadeja, Yadav, Axar Patel, and Chahal as their four spinners. Notably, they lack an off-spinner, with Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin being overlooked due to lack of recent game time.India's decision to prioritize spin bowling stems from their extensive experience playing in the Caribbean. Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, has hinted at a specific reason for the selection of four spinners, but has declined to reveal it at this stage.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan on June 9. They will then face the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.

The Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping conundrum for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has been resolved, with the selectors opting for specialist wicket-keeper batters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. However, with the team's composition, it's likely that only one of them will make the playing XI.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the selection, expressing his admiration for Pant's return from a near-fatal car accident. However, he ultimately chose Samson as his pick due to his exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024."Rishabh Pant played well in the IPL. He has come out of his injuries. He looked fit, batted well, and did some nice wicketkeeping. But Sanju played really well. I would like to see him get a chance. He has been performing consistently. He has been scoring 60s and 70s and is not the old Sanju anymore who would score just 30s and 40s," Harbhajan said.Another notable exclusion from the 15-member squad was Rinku Singh, who was named in the reserves list. Harbhajan believes Singh should be added in place of a spin option."The World Cup team has been selected. The batting is good. I think we are one fast bowler short. One player that I think we will miss is Rinku Singh, because he is someone who can win the match single-handedly for us. He can chase down 60 runs in 20 balls. I think selecting four spinners is a bit too much. Three would have been enough. I wish Team India all the best, hope they bring the cup," Harbhajan said.Regarding the spin options, Harbhajan believes India will likely field three spinners in a game, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the most likely candidates.Harbhajan expressed confidence in India's chances against Pakistan in their highly-anticipated T20 World Cup match on June 9. "I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team," he concluded.

Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian spinner, has expressed his interest in potentially taking on the role of head coach for Team India in the future. In an interview with ANI, Harbhajan emphasized that coaching the Men in Blue is primarily about managing the team effectively rather than teaching players technical skills."Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them," said Harbhajan.Harbhajan's statement comes amidst the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inviting applications for the position of men's national team head coach. The tenure for the role will commence on July 1, 2024, and conclude on December 31, 2027, coinciding with the next 50-over Cricket World Cup.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27, 6 PM for interested candidates to submit their applications. The selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket in 2016, has been involved in coaching roles in the past. He served as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a brief period in 2022.The former spinner acknowledged that he has not yet decided whether to apply for the Team India head coach position. However, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given him so much."Cricket has given me so much and if I get a chance to give it back, I would be more than happy," said Harbhajan.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications for potential head coach candidates. Applicants must have played a minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or have served as the head coach of a full member Test-playing nation for at least two years. Alternatively, they must have been the head coach of an Associate member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class teams/national A teams for a minimum of three years.India's current head coach, Rahul Dravid, was given an extension until June 2024 after the team failed to win the ICC Cricket World Cup at home in November 2023. Dravid's tenure will conclude during the ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA, which will take place from June 1 to 29.