Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh has sparked controversy with a racially insensitive remark made during his commentary in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. His comments, comparing Jofra Archer to London’s ‘kaali taxi,’ have ignited a social media backlash.
During the 18th over of the SRH innings, as Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen took on the bowlers, Harbhajan commented: “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, Aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai (In London the black cabs’ meter runs fast, and here Archer’s meter is running fast).”
This statement led to widespread criticism, with fans demanding Harbhajan’s removal from the IPL 2025 commentary panel. He has yet to issue an apology for what has been described as a “vile and disgusting” remark.
This is not the first time Harbhajan has been embroiled in a racism controversy. Back in 2008, he was accused of racially abusing former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds during the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ scandal in India’s tour of Australia. Symonds alleged that Harbhajan had called him a ‘monkey,’ leading to a three-match ban, which was later overturned by the ICC after a review.
Meanwhile, Jofra Archer endured a torrid return to IPL 2025, conceding 76 runs in his four overs without a wicket, setting an unwanted record for the most expensive spell in IPL history. His figures surpassed Mohit Sharma’s 0/73 for Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals in 2024.
SRH came close to breaking their own record for the highest IPL total but finished at 286/6, just a run short of the 287/3 they posted against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. Ishan Kishan starred with an unbeaten 106 on his franchise debut.
Harbhajan has had a controversial history both on and off the field. Apart from the Symonds incident, he was also banned for 11 matches in the inaugural IPL season for slapping Sreesanth after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.
Since retiring from cricket after the 2021 IPL season, Harbhajan has been a regular part of the broadcasting team. A four-time IPL champion, he represented
