Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Arshdeep Singh has been embroiled in yet another controversy with the Punjab Kings pacer facing backlash over a scathing reply to a fan on social media, just as the storm over his remarks regarding Tilak Varma showed no signs of abating.The latest episode broke after a screenshot of the alleged Snapchat exchange surfaced online. The fan reportedly wrote while tagging Arshdeep to remove Punjab from the IPL franchise name, saying he was embarrassed by the name.Arshdeep retorted sharply, “What have you done for Punjab? That you feel embarrassed, Singh saab? People who keep asking the family for chips and money for cold drinks are now advising whether to use the name or not?”The response quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of criticism and reigniting the debate about pacemaker behavior online.Fresh storm after Tilak’s remarkThe controversy comes barely a day after Arshdeep was accused of making an abusive comment towards Tilak during a video recorded around Punjab’s IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians.In the viral clip, Arshdeep was reportedly heard saying, “Oye Andher, sunscreen lagaaya?” — a remark that many have interpreted as a reference to Tilak’s complexion.The clip sparked widespread outrage, with former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan among those calling for strict action.“No one believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid pro rata,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on social media.Previous comments are reappearingSivaramakrishnan said the incident brought back memories from his own playing days, when he claimed he faced racial taunts from teammates.He recalled an incident during India’s tour of Pakistan in the 1980s when he said a teammate mocked a birthday cake arranged by Sunil Gavaskar, saying, “You ordered the right color cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy.”Arshdeep’s online activity has been closely monitored in recent months. Reports suggested that the BCCI had earlier advised him to stop posting vlogs from team tours and match venues during the IPL.Now, with two controversies in as many days, the spotlight on one of India’s leading T20 bowlers has intensified. For Arshdeep, the noise off the field is getting louder – and so are the calls to action.
