Harbhajan Singh Kaali Taxi Controversy: Fans Demand Action After Racist Remark on Jofra Archer
Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has landed in serious trouble following a controversial remark during a live IPL 2025 commentary session. The Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy erupted after the spinner-turned-commentator compared England fast bowler Jofra Archer to a “kaali taxi” (black taxi), drawing massive criticism for the racially insensitive analogy.
The incident occurred during the match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), specifically in the 18th over of the first innings. As Jofra Archer was bowling to SRH batters Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, Harbhajan made the remark in Hindi:
“London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai.”
(Translation: In London, the black taxi meters run fast, and here too, Archer’s meter was running fast.)
This on-air comment led to the Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy, sparking outrage on social media. Many fans labeled the comment as racially insensitive and called for Harbhajan Singh’s immediate removal from the IPL 2025 commentary panel.
Social Media Outrage Over Harbhajan Singh Kaali Taxi Controversy
The Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy trended on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes of the comment being aired. Users slammed Harbhajan for using a racially loaded term during a globally broadcast match. Critics emphasized that such remarks are unacceptable in modern cricket, especially during an event as high-profile as the IPL.
Several users tagged the BCCI and IPL broadcasters demanding disciplinary action. One user wrote,
“What Harbhajan said wasn’t funny—it was harmful. Racism has no place in cricket. Suspend him immediately.”
Another posted, “Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy shows we still have a long way to go in educating our commentators.”
Archer’s Record-Breaking Performance Overshadowed
Ironically, the Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy overshadowed the actual performance on the field. Archer had a tough day with the ball, conceding 76 runs without taking a wicket—officially the most expensive bowling spell in IPL history, surpassing Mohit Sharma’s 0/73 for Gujarat Titans.
Sunrisers Hyderabad capitalized on Archer’s poor form, posting a massive 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals—just two runs short of breaking their own IPL record of 287/3 made against RCB in 2024. Ishan Kishan stole the show with his maiden IPL century off just 45 balls, anchoring SRH’s massive total.
Despite Archer’s struggles, the focus remained largely on the Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy, with many stating that such moments harm the IPL’s global image.
Call for Apology and Accountability
So far, Harbhajan Singh has not released any public statement or apology addressing the Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy. The IPL broadcasters and BCCI have also remained silent, but pressure continues to mount from fans and advocacy groups demanding accountability.
Given the IPL’s international viewership and commitment to diversity and inclusion, many believe the incident warrants a serious review. With the league looking to enhance its global brand, such controversies pose a reputational risk.
Harbhajan Singh Kaali Taxi Controversy Raises Serious Questions
The Harbhajan Singh kaali taxi controversy is not just another commentary gaffe—it’s a wake-up call for cricket broadcasters and league organizers to reinforce strict codes of conduct. In a sport striving for inclusivity, there’s no room for racially insensitive remarks. As the backlash continues to grow, all eyes are now on the IPL and Harbhajan Singh to see how they address the issue.
