India’s cricket legend Harbhajan Singh sparked a backlash on Sunday after making a racially insensitive comment about England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
While commentating, Harbhajan compared Archer to a “black taxi,” saying, “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, Aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai” (Like the meter of London’s black taxis, Archer’s meter has also been on the higher side).
The remark triggered outrage across social media platforms, with fans demanding an apology and urging disciplinary action against Harbhajan. Some called for his immediate removal from IPL commentary.
One user on X posted, “Harbhajan Singh has just compared Jofra Archer to a black taxi driver with a high meter value. This is absolutely vile and unacceptable.”
Harbhajan, who has faced criticism for racial comments in the past, has yet to address the backlash. Many users are calling on Star Sports, the BCCI, and the ECB to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Meanwhile, on the field, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs. Ishan Kishan’s remarkable century propelled SRH to a total of 286—the second-highest score in IPL history—while Rajasthan Royals managed 242 in response. Archer had a tough day, conceding 76 runs in four overs without claiming a wicket.
