IPL 2025: Harbhajan Singh lands in fresh Racism Trouble after Jofra Archer remark

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Harbhajan Singh has landed in fresh controversy after a remark during commentary in an IPL 2025 match on Sunday (March 23).

​During the match between the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, former Indian cricketer and commentator Harbhajan Singh made a remark that sparked controversy and was perceived by many as racist.

While commentating in Hindi during the 18th over of Sunrisers Hyderabad's innings, Harbhajan compared England pacer Jofra Archer's expensive bowling spell to the fast-running meters of London's black taxis.

"London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai" (In London, the meters of black taxis run fast, and here Mr. Archer's meter has also run fast)," Harbhajan said.

This comment led to significant backlash on social media, with many fans and critics labeling it as racist and inappropriate. Users on platforms like Twitter expressed their disappointment, highlighting that such remarks are unacceptable, especially from a former cricketer and current commentator. ​

As of now, there has been no official statement or apology from Harbhajan Singh regarding the incident.

Harbhajan in Racism muddle after Monkey Gate

The racism trouble for Harbhajan Singh is not new. He was accused of racism during his playing days in one of the most infamous episodes.

The 'Monkeygate' scandal involving Harbhajan Singh and Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds during the 2007-2008 Border-Gavaskar Test series was a controversial development which shook the cricketing world.

The controversy erupted during the Sydney Test in January 2008 when Symonds accused Harbhajan of calling him a "monkey," a term considered racially offensive. This allegation led to significant tension between the Indian and Australian cricket teams.