“I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to @harbhajan_singh [Harbhajan Singh] and the Sikh community,” he said in a social media post on X.

Akmal made a lewd joke about the community while giving his opinion on the ARY News cricket show hosted by journalist Waseem Badami.

He was one of the panellists alongside Basit Ali and Shahid Hashmi. Hashmi had also made such comments.

They were talking about India’s decision to last over to fast bowler Arshdeep Singh during the high-voltage T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and India in New York.

Their comments had triggered a sharp reaction from the Sikh community, including a former Indian cricketer.

Singh had slammed Akmail and advised him to improve his history before making such derogatory comments.

The former wicketkeeper batter admitted that his use of language was not appropriate.

“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,” he said.