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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Delegation requests for Karnataka HC Bench in coastal districts, hands petition to Chief Justice
Udupi: A delegation of the High Court Bench Struggle Committee met and submitted a petition to the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru at the Circuit House urging the opening of a High Court Bench in the coastal belt as well as a Mobile High Court Bench in Mangaluru.
MLC and convener of the Committee Ivan D’Souza, who spoke to the Chief Justice on the occasion, explained that the people of the coastal belt find it difficult to travel to Bengaluru to fight a petition in the High Court. The problem only aggravated during monsoon. D’Souza added that there was a delay in clearing the cases of Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts, which was causing further inconvenience to the people.
The MLC, who pointed out that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also shown his preference for establishing a High Court Bench in the coastal region, requested for an approval to establish a Mobile High Court Bench first.
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Responding to this request, Chief Justice Bakhru assured to take action on the request as soon as possible.
The delegation included Mangalore Bar Association President Raghavendra HV, Dakshina Kannada Principal Government Pleader MP Noronha, General Secretary Sridhar H, Udupi Bar Association President Reynold Praveen Kumar, General Secretary Chandrashekhar Shetty, Vice-president Devadas V Shettigar and Brahmavar Bar Association President Kadoor Praveen Shetty.
