Table of Contents
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh reacted angrily after a video clip of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq‘s interview went viral on social media where he suggested that the Indian Sikh cricketer was close to converting to Islam.
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s controversial claims
In the video, Inzamam claimed that Harbhajan was among the Indian cricketers who used to attend preaching of Maulana Tariq Jameel, known for reading namaz with the Pakistan cricket team. During a tour, Inzamam stated that he invited Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan and Mohammad Kaif to join the prayers sessions, stating that Harbhajan, too, attended the preaching. Inzamam further suggested that the former Indian spinner was influenced by the preaching and even expressed a desire to convert.
“We had a room where prayers were conducted. Maulana Tariq Jameel used to visit us in the evening and lead us into a namaz. After a few days, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif, and Zaheer Khan also started coming. I noticed that 2-3 more Indian players also used to join; they won’t say the prayers but used to listen to the Maulana,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
“Harbhajan once told me, ‘my heart says that I should agree to whatever he (Maulana) says’. I said, ‘then follow him. What is stopping you?’ Then, he replied, ‘I see you and then I stop. Your life isn’t like that’. So, it is us who are not following our religion. We are to be blamed,” the former cricketer concluded.
Also READ: Australian great Ian Healy voices worry about Mitchell Starc’s form ahead of semi-final clash against South Africa – ODI World Cup 2023
Harbhajan Singh denies conversion allegations
Harbhajan reacted to the same on X, as he asked what was Inzamam smoking when he made the claim and stated that he is a proud Indian and Sikh.
“Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai ? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh..yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai (What was he drinking before speaking such nonsense? I am a proud Indian and a proud Sikh),” Harbhajan wrote.
Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai ? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh..yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai 😡😡😡🤬🤬 https://t.co/eo6LN5SmWk
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 14, 2023
Inzaman resigns as chief selector
Inzamam, meanwhile, has recently stepped down as Pakistan’s chief selector following their side’s dismal campaign at the ODI World Cup 2023 where they failed to reached the semi-final stage and ultimately got knocked out.
