Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal issued an apology on Monday for his remarks about the Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, which sparked widespread outrage.

Akmal made controversial comments about Arshdeep Singh during a show on ARY News that covered the India-Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup match. During the show, he made a controversial comment about Arshdeep’s religion, saying, “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai… 12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12).”

His remarks were widely criticised, prompting Akmal to express his deep regret and emphasise his respect for Sikhs worldwide.