Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has sparked widespread social media criticism and calls for disciplinary action after multiple controversial videos emerged during IPL 2026.
A Snapchat video from May 14, 2026, showed Singh directing a skin color-related remark toward Mumbai Indians batsman Tilak Varma.
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A second video on May 22 captured him teasing teammate Priyansh Arya about his smile, intensifying backlash over alleged bullying.
Former Indian spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan publicly demanded a severe penalty, citing his own experiences with discrimination. "When I first raised this issue, nobody believed me.
Now there is evidence of racism on a video. Arshdeep should be banned this season," he said.
Tilak Varma responded by urging focus on upcoming matches: "I won't encourage this. Let's focus on tomorrow's match."
Punjab Kings management defended Singh. Head of Sports Science Andrew Leipus said, "I don't follow a lot of social media.
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In terms of his behaviour, Arsh is pretty much a flat line. He isn't up or down."
Leipus added that Singh remains a loud presence in the dressing room and helps younger players manage pressure.
"He's still incredibly confident and positive, leading from the front on and off the field."
The off-field controversies coincide with Singh's statistical decline: 14 wickets in 13 games at an average of 35 and an economy rate near 10.
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Punjab Kings are on a six-match losing streak ahead of games against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants.
