Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has found himself at the centre of another social media storm, with fans and critics pointing to his posts and comments as the IPL 2026 season moves into its most pressure-filled phase. Ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala, he was once again accused of “casual racism” after viewers disliked the way he addressed Tilak Varma in a Snapchat video. After PBKS’s defeat to MI in the same venue, the backlash intensified, with more supporters taking aim at him and his use of the franchise’s name.
Key takeaways
- Arshdeep Singh drew accusations of “casual racism” on social media after a Snapchat exchange involving Tilak Varma before PBKS vs MI in Dharamsala.
- Following Punjab Kings’ loss to Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala, a fan publicly urged Arshdeep to stop using “Punjab” in IPL-related references.
- Arshdeep responded on Snapchat, challenging the criticism by questioning the impact of his remarks on supporters and the team’s identity.
- PBKS are under severe pressure in IPL 2026, having lost five matches in a row under Shreyas Iyer, with playoff qualification now in doubt.
- In the days leading up to the match, Punjab Kings also faced multiple off-field controversies involving team posts and reactions to reports about Prabhsimran Singh.
Arshdeep’s response after the Dharamsala defeat
On the eve of the IPL 2026 match in Dharamsala, Arshdeep’s earlier Snapchat comments about Tilak Varma triggered fresh anger online. Even though the incident had already sparked debate, it did not cool off—especially after PBKS went on to lose to the Mumbai Indians at the same venue. In the aftermath, a fan tagged Arshdeep and asked him to stop using Punjab’s name in the IPL, alleging that his actions were humiliating the franchise’s supporters.
Arshdeep pushed back in a message shared on Snapchat. He questioned the sincerity of the criticism, writing that people who still ask for money from their families for everyday items like chips and cold drinks were now deciding whether he should keep the team’s name in his messaging. His reply effectively framed the backlash as misplaced and aimed at stirring controversy rather than addressing cricketing issues.
PBKS in crisis as controversies pile up
While the on-field situation has worsened for Punjab Kings, the team’s off-field distractions have also multiplied in recent days. The franchise are enduring a difficult run in the 19th edition of the tournament, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side through a stretch that has included five consecutive defeats. With only two matches left, PBKS are required to win both, yet even that does not guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
Beyond results, the last few days have been marked by multiple controversies involving the team’s own social media activity and responses to circulating claims. It began when Punjab Kings reacted to “false narratives,” urging sports journalists to verify what they post on social media. However, the tone changed within hours, with PBKS updating their statement and removing the phrase “sports journalists” from the earlier post.
Prabhsimran Singh, the wicketkeeper-batter, then also responded to reports that he had gained several kilos within a matter of days. He posted a shirtless picture on Instagram, showcasing his physique and accompanying it with a silence emoji, a move that read as a direct dismissal of the stories doing the rounds.
The Arshdeep–Tilak Varma Snapchat clip and earlier incidents
The Arshdeep–Tilak Varma episode came into focus again on the eve of the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings game. Fans were particularly upset after remarks Arshdeep made about Tilak in a Snapchat video. In the clip, Arshdeep panned the camera to Tilak and said, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?”—a line that translates to “Hey, dark one, did you apply sunscreen?”
In the same video, Arshdeep later shifted the camera towards Tilak’s Mumbai Indians teammate Naman Dhir. He said, “Aa dekh, aa hai Punjab da asli noor, te aa hai nakli,” which translates to “Look, this is the real glow of Punjab, and this is fake.” The comment further fuelled criticism, with many viewers interpreting the exchange as carrying racial overtones.
This was not the first time Arshdeep had made similar remarks. Earlier, he used comparable wording in comments directed at Gujarat Titans and India batter Sai Sudharsan. In that earlier clip, Arshdeep pointed the camera towards Sudharsan and said, “Wait, let me clean my camera lens, it can’t capture Sai. Your lips can’t be seen in the video.”
Arshdeep has therefore faced repeated scrutiny over the style of his on-camera jokes, and the timing—coming during a season where Punjab Kings are already fighting for survival in the playoff race—has only amplified the backlash among fans.
