Image: Major controversy in IPL 2025 after Harbhajan Singh's racist remark against Jofra Archer / © NDTV Sports
With the start of IPL 2025, controversy has already struck as former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh faces severe backlash for a racist remark aimed at England pacer Jofra Archer. The incident occurred during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Archer conceded a record-breaking 76 runs in his four-over spell, the most expensive in IPL history, without picking up a wicket.
Commenting on Archer’s poor outing, Harbhajan, while on the Hindi commentary panel, compared Archer’s pace to London’s black cabs, saying, “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai”. This statement sparked outrage, with fans accusing Harbhajan of racism and demanding his removal from the commentary team.
Notably, this is not Harbhajan’s first controversy. He was involved in the infamous Monkeygate scandal in 2008, where he allegedly racially abused Andrew Symonds, and was also suspended during IPL 2008 for slapping Sreesanth. The incident has once again put Harbhajan in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, overshadowing what should have been cricket’s prime focus. Fans and experts now await potential action from the authorities as IPL 2025 kicks off on a controversial note.