Arshdeep Singh's Snapchat Banter with Tilak Varma Sparks Racism Row

In the high-stakes world of IPL cricket, off-field antics can quickly turn into major controversies. Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh finds himself at the center of a storm after a Snapchat video surfaced online, showing him joking with Mumbai Indians' Tilak Varma. What started as light-hearted banter has been labeled racist by many, igniting fierce debates across social media. The clip, reportedly shared by Arshdeep on Snapchat, captures an informal chat among players. Arshdeep teasingly calls Tilak 'andhera' – a Hindi term meaning darkness, often linked to skin tone – and quips that the batsman needs sunscreen. Mumbai Indians' Naman Dhir joins in, with Arshdeep dubbing him Punjab's true 'noor' or light. Tilak responds casually, saying he already uses sunscreen. While the players appeared to be in good spirits, the video's viral spread changed everything. Social media erupted with backlash, users slamming Arshdeep for insensitive remarks that veer into racial territory. Critics argue that public figures with millions of followers must be more mindful, especially in diverse India where skin color jokes hit a raw nerve. This isn't Arshdeep's first brush with online fury. Previously, a YouTube vlog from his channel showed Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a flight, drawing massive criticism. Known for his behind-the-scenes content, Arshdeep boasts over 6.2 million Instagram followers, amplifying the reach of his posts. As IPL 2026 discussions heat up, this incident raises questions about player conduct on social platforms. Will the BCCI intervene? For now, Arshdeep remains silent amid the growing uproar, a reminder that in cricket's spotlight, every word and jest is scrutinized.