Harbhajan Singh faces backlash for racist remark on Jofra Archer during IPL 2025 commentary
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has sparked controversy with a racist remark directed at England pacer Jofra Archer during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The incident occurred during the 18th over of SRH’s innings when Heinrich Klaasen struck consecutive boundaries off Archer. While on air, Harbhajan commented, “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 widespread outrage on social media, with fans demanding Harbhajan’s immediate suspension from the IPL commentary panel. Many condemned his words as "vile and disgusting," urging authorities to take action against him.
Archer’s expensive spell in IPL 2025 opener
Archer endured a forgettable outing, conceding 76 runs without taking a wicket—making it the most expensive spell in IPL history. His record surpassed Mohit Sharma’s 0/73 for Gujarat Titans last season.
Meanwhile, SRH dominated the game, scoring 286/6—just two runs short of breaking their own record for the highest IPL total. Ishan Kishan’s explosive century (100 off 45 balls) powered SRH to a 44-run victory over RR.
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‘Not water, poison was distributed’: Rahul Gandhi targets BJP govt over Indore deaths
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government over the contamination of drinking water in Indore, where at least ten people have died following a diarrhoea outbreak.
Rahul Gandhi said, "In Indore, there was no water, just poison being distributed, while the administration slumbered like Kumbhakarna." He alleged that the tragedy exposed administrative failure in a city that has repeatedly topped the Centre’s ‘cleanest city’ rankings.
"Mourning has spread from home to home, the poor are helpless, and to top it off, arrogant statements from BJP leaders. Those whose hearths have gone cold needed solace; the government served up hubris instead," he said in a post on X.
His remarks came amid controversy over comments made by Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who had snapped at journalists when questioned about the deaths caused by contaminated water.
According to officials, the deaths were linked to a diarrhoea outbreak triggered by toxic substances in the drinking water supply. Laboratory tests conducted by a city-based medical college confirmed that sewage had leaked into the water pipeline near a newly constructed public toilet in the Bhagirathpura area.
Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey reportedly said, "We are closely examining the entire drinking water supply pipeline to find out if there is any leakage elsewhere." He said water supply had been restored but people had been urged to boil the water before drinking it.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Indore, met patients, and chaired a review meeting, promising that such a tragedy would not be repeated and that action would follow the investigation report.
So far, two Public Health Engineering Department officials have been suspended and one has been dismissed. A three-member committee has been constituted to probe the incident. The state government has announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
इंदौर में पानी नहीं, ज़हर बंटा और प्रशासन कुंभकर्णी नींद में रहा।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 2, 2026
घर-घर मातम है, गरीब बेबस हैं - और ऊपर से BJP नेताओं के अहंकारी बयान। जिनके घरों में चूल्हा बुझा है, उन्हें सांत्वना चाहिए थी; सरकार ने घमंड परोस दिया।
लोगों ने बार-बार गंदे, बदबूदार पानी की शिकायत की - फिर भी…
