Is it possible that the IND vs PAK cricket match doesn’t cause any controversy? As you all know India played against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s World Cup on 9th June 2024 in which India defeated Pakistan by 6 runs. I hope you watched the match with the ISL translation. What?! You don't know? Yes! ISH is translating the T20 World Cup commentary in ISL on Hotstar & Star Sports 3. Don’t forget to watch it. The IND vs PAK is always a high-pressure situation not only for the players but for the commentators and presenters too. While most of the former cricketers turned commentators and presenters control their emotions during & after the match, Pakistan’s ex-cricketer, Kamran Akmal expressed his frustration & despair over the losing match by making a contentious (controversial) remark about Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh’s religion. During the thrilling match, Arshdeep was chosen to bowl the final over. At that time, Akmal was part of a match analyzing panel on the ARY News. In the panel talk, Akmal expressed that while India had fewer chances for victory; nothing can be said for sure by saying “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai... 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12)” for Arshdeep’s bowling. He further added “Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chahiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over at 12 midnight)” causing other panellists to burst out laughing. Akmal’s statement was perceived as a derogatory remark towards the Sikh community. India’s star Sikh cricket ex-player, Harbhajan Singh came out in Arshdeep Singh’s defence and criticised Akmal’s statement. Harbhajan wrote on X (Twitter) “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 guys. Have some Gratitude.” Soon after Harbhajan’s tweet, Akhmal apologized on X (Twitter) itself. He accepted that his words were inappropriate and disrespectful & wrote that he deeply regrets his comments. He assured Harbhajan that he had the utmost respect for the Sikh community and never intended to hurt anyone. But why did Harbhajan Singh & the Sikh community get offended by Akhmal’s comments? Why are there so many jokes about Sikhs and 12 o ‘clock? According to the legends, the phrase “Sardarji, Barah Baj gaye” has a lot of history behind it. During the 18th century (1701 to 1800), the most powerful ruler of Iran & founder of the Afsharid dynasty, Nadir Shah raided Delhi and looted cartloads of Indian treasure, Shah Jahan’s famous Peacock Throne, the Kohinoor diamond and enslaved nearly 2,200 Hindu women to take along to Persia (Iran). The then Commander of the Sikh army, Sardar Jassa Singh heard about the raid and decided to attack Nadir Shah's convoy but did not have an army as big as Nadir Shah. Hence he decided to attack at midnight (12 o’clock) using guerilla warfare as Nadir Shah’s army used to camp at night out of the fear of jinns & other evils they believed to lurk at night. The plan was successful and Sardar Jassa Singh rescued all the treasure and all the Hindu women and brought them back safely to their respective homes.

The concept of attacking enemies at midnight became popular in the Sikh army. It soon became a routine protocol of attack & rescue missions. Since then, whenever the Abdaalis or the Iranis attacked and looted India, the Sikh army attacked them at midnight and rescued the treasures and the helpless women & children regardless of their caste & religion. Soon many people started believing that it was very dangerous to fight against Sikhs at midnight because they became charged with a ferocious power at 12 o’clock to save Religion, Nation and Humanity. Many still believe this but those who fear or hate Sikhs, have altered the belief to say that the Sikhs go out of their senses at midnight and have built numerous jokes around it. The Sikhs are known for their bravery and sacrifices. They have played a pivotal role in protecting countless Indian women from dishonour and children from slavery. Therefore, one must always respect them for it & refrain from making such jokes and snide comments about them.

Tags

• kamran akmal racist comments on arshdeep singh
• ka

Advertisement