Kamal Ghorui
Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Arshdeep Singh has landed in yet another controversy, with the Punjab Kings pacer facing backlash over a sharp reply to a fan on social media, just as the storm around his remarks involving Tilak Varma showed no signs of fading.The latest episode erupted after a screenshot of an alleged Snapchat exchange surfaced online. A fan had reportedly written, while tagging Arshdeep, to remove Punjab from the IPL franchise’s name, saying he is embarrassing the name.Arshdeep hit back with a blunt response: “What have you done for Punjab? That you are feeling embarrassed, Singh saab? People who still ask family for chips and cold drinks money are now advising whether to use the name or not?”The reply quickly spread across social media, triggering a wave of criticism and reigniting debate over the pacer’s online conduct.
Fresh storm after Tilak remarkThe controversy comes barely a day after Arshdeep was accused of making an offensive comment toward Tilak during a video recorded around Punjab’s IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians.In the viral clip, Arshdeep was allegedly heard saying, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” — a remark many interpreted as referring to Tilak’s skin tone.The clip drew widespread outrage, with former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan among those demanding strict action.“Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on social media.Past comments resurfaceSivaramakrishnan said the incident brought back memories from his own playing days, when he claims he faced racial taunts from teammates.He recalled an incident during India’s tour of Pakistan in the 1980s, saying a teammate mocked a birthday cake arranged by Sunil Gavaskar by saying, “You ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy.”Arshdeep’s online activity has drawn scrutiny in recent months. Reports suggested the BCCI had earlier advised him to stop posting vlogs from team tours and match venues during the IPL.Now, with two controversies in as many days, the spotlight on one of India’s leading T20 bowlers has intensified. For Arshdeep, the off-field noise is growing louder — and so are calls for action.
