Cricket fans from across the globe have been charged by the electrifying start to the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. Fans love to see their teams bat against each other in the battle to win the trophy, and they equally as much, if not more, enjoy the humourous commentary they get to hear along with the match. However, the commentary got a little out of hand during a match on March 23, 2025.
Harbhajan Singh’s racist comment on Jofra Archer sparks controversy
Former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh sparked a racism row on March 23, 2025, after he made a comparison between the England fast bowler, Jofra Archer and a ‘black taxi’. The statement came during the first match of day two of IPL 2025, which was being played between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The incident reportedly took place during the 18th over of the first innings. Jofra was bowling to SRH’s batsman, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Harbhajan’s comment came after the South Africa international smashed consecutive boundaries against Archer on the second and third ball of the over.
The former cricketer stated that Jofra’s meter was on the higher side, like the meter of London’s black taxis. The on-air remark left the fans fuming on social media as they expressed how rude these comments were. The fans also demanded Harbhajan’s immediate suspension from the IPL 2025 commentary panel. Harbhajan had stated:
“London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, Aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai.”
Netizens react to Harbhajan Singh’s comment
As soon as the comment was made by the commentator, Harbhajan Singh, netizens took to social media and expressed their anger. A user penned, “Obviously, in the UK, we get the #IPL2025 world feed, so didn’t hear Harbhajan Singh and his awful racist comment about Archer first-hand. However, plenty did, and it’s time that IPL and Star Sports take a stance and take him off air.” Another said, “Harbhajan MUST Apologise: He called Jofra Archer a ‘black London taxi’ during live commentary During IPL. Shame Shame Shame.” A user penned, “Harbhajan Singh has called Jofra Archer a black taxi driver with a high meter value just now in the Hindi commentary. This is vile and disgusting. Please ban him.”
However, some users even defended Harbhajan and shared how he said khaali and not kaali. A user penned, “I’ve heard it, he said ‘Khaali taxi’ meaning ’empty taxi’. Meaning he’s just wandering around without direction. Definitely no racist intentions IMO.” Another said, “I think it was a misunderstanding, Eri. He was referring to something else. But of course, any racist comment is simply unacceptable.” A user penned how despite the meaning and intent, Harbhajan should apologise and said, “Totally agree but some claiming he said ‘khaali‘ meaning empty and not ‘kaali‘ which means black of course. Anyways, apology/clarification is the least he can do.”
What are your thoughts on Harbhajan Singh being bashed for his comment?
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