Arshdeep Singh Sparks Controversy: Racial Slur Against Tilak Varma Amid Vlogging Row

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh is facing backlash after a viral video showed him making a colorist remark against Mumbai Indians' Tilak Varma. This follows previous controversies involving a vaping video of Yuzvendra Chahal and violating BCCI protocols by bringing his girlfriend, Samreen Kaur, on the team bus.

The IPL 2026 season has turned into a tumultuous journey for Punjab Kings' pacer Arshdeep Singh, both on and off the cricket field. While Punjab Kings entered the tournament with high expectations as the previous year's runners-up, their campaign has been marred by inconsistent performances and a series of controversies. At the center of these off-field issues is Arshdeep Singh, whose recent actions have sparked a massive backlash on social media, while a viral video has surfaced where the left-arm pacer is seen making a highly inappropriate and colorist remark directed at his Team India teammate, Tilak Varma. Arshdeep has struggled to make an impact on the field this season, and his off-field conduct is now under intense scrutiny.

The Controversial Remark Against Tilak Varma

The incident came to light on Thursday, May 14, during the 58th match of IPL 2026 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. While the two teams were battling it out on the pitch, a video recorded by Arshdeep Singh began circulating online, while in the footage, Arshdeep is heard calling out to Mumbai Indians' batter Tilak Varma in a derogatory manner. He says, “O andhere, idhar aa. ” (Hey darkness, come here. ). This direct comment on Tilak's complexion has been widely condemned as insensitive and unprofessional, especially coming from a fellow international cricketer who shares the dressing room with him in the national team.

Comparison with Naman Dhir and 'Asli Noor'

The video further shows Arshdeep Singh continuing his commentary by involving another player, Naman Dhir, who was sitting nearby. When Tilak Varma responded that he had indeed applied sunscreen, Arshdeep looked at Naman Dhir and remarked in Punjabi that his skin represents “asli noor” (real glow), which is natural. By contrasting Tilak's skin tone with Naman's in such a mocking fashion, Arshdeep's comments have been perceived as a blatant act of colorism. This behavior has led to widespread criticism from fans and cricket enthusiasts, who are now demanding strict disciplinary action against the Punjab Kings bowler for violating the spirit of the game and basic human decency.

Previous Vlogging Controversy and Yuzvendra Chahal

This isn't the first time Arshdeep Singh's penchant for vlogging has landed him and his teammates in trouble, while earlier in the season, a video captured by him showed Punjab Kings' veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal vaping (using an e-cigarette) inside an aircraft. The footage caused a significant uproar as vaping is strictly prohibited in such environments and public spaces. Following this incident, the Punjab Kings franchise had reportedly advised its players to refrain from extensive vlogging and social media posting to maintain the team's decorum, while despite these warnings, Arshdeep has continued to post content that has repeatedly put the team in a negative light.

Violation of BCCI Protocols Regarding Partners

In addition to the vlogging issues, Arshdeep Singh has also been under scrutiny for violating BCCI protocols. The cricket board had recently issued a directive stating that players' partners should remain separate from the team bus during transit to maintain professional boundaries. However, Arshdeep was spotted traveling with his girlfriend, Samreen Kaur, on the Punjab Kings team bus, while this act of defiance against established rules has added to the growing list of disciplinary concerns surrounding the pacer. His repeated involvement in controversies, despite the franchise's attempts to maintain order, has become a major talking point this season.

For Punjab Kings, the IPL 2026 season is proving to be increasingly difficult. After a strong start following their successful run last year, the team has suffered multiple defeats and is struggling to find momentum. Arshdeep Singh, who is expected to lead the pace attack, has failed to make a significant impact with the ball, adding to the team's woes. His lack of form, combined with these recurring off-field controversies involving racial remarks and protocol violations, has put him in a precarious position. As the video involving Tilak Varma continues to draw ire, the cricketing community awaits a formal response from the authorities regarding the pacer's conduct, as there is zero tolerance for such behavior in modern sports.