Table of Contents
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has landed in massive controversy once again, and this time the matter has become far bigger after former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan openly warned the BCCI about the racial abuse in Indian cricket.
The controversy exploded after a viral video showed the Indian pacer making remarks about his national teammate Tilak Varma during a casual interaction ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between the Punjab Kings and the Mumbai Indians in Dharamshala on May 14.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan warns BCCI amid Arshdeep Singh racism row
Social media users accused Arshdeep Singh of making insensitive comments related to Tilak Varma’s skin color during his Snapchat live session before the IPL 2026 clash.
The backlash became even bigger after Sivaramakrishnan threatened to expose former cricketers if the BCCI seriously investigates racial abuse cases in Indian cricket.
Read Also: Arshdeep Singh lands in fresh controversy after targeting PBKS fan’s financial condition
In the viral video, Tilak can be seen walking past Arshdeep, who was sitting alongside Mumbai Indians youngster Naman Dhir, possibly at the team hotel in Dharamshala. During the interaction, Arshdeep started teasing Tilak over his complexion and continued joking.
Arshdeep Singh under fire after ‘Oye Andhere’ remark on Tilak Varma
During the interaction, Arshdeep jokingly called out to Tilak by saying “oye andhere,” referring to his dark complexion. Tilak looked slightly awkward but smiled while joining the duo.
Arshdeep then further teased the MI star by telling him to apply sunscreen so he would not get darker. Tilak tried to take the comments lightly and replied by saying he uses Foxtale's sunscreen.
The Punjab Kings pacer then pointed the camera towards Naman Dhir and said, "This is Punjab's real Noor." Naman later tried explaining that “noor” meant glow, while Tilak simply could smile.
As soon as the clip went viral online, several fans slammed Arshdeep heavily and called his comments insensitive. Some users even demanded strict punishment against the PBKS fast bowler, saying such racial abuse should not be normalized in modern cricket.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan threatens BCCI over Arshdeep Singh-Tilak Varma racial abuse row
But things took a completely different turn after Laxman Sivaramakrishnan reacted strongly on social media. The former India spinner further noted that the young cricketers often stay silent in these situations because they are still trying to establish themselves in international cricket and do not want unnecessary controversy affecting their careers.
Read Also: Nuwan Thushara ruled out of IPL 2026, Richard Gleeson joins RCB
He also urged the BCCI to seriously look into the matter instead of ignoring it as casual fun between the two teammates. Sivaramakrishnan warned that if the BCCI truly decides to act against Arshdeep, then he will reveal names of former India cricketers who racially abused him during his own playing days.
The well-known commentator shared the viral clip on his X handle and wrote, "I told you guys. Tilak can’t say anything now as he is in the early part of his career. But the BCCI, with this proof, can take action. If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me if BCCI takes action against them.”
I told you guys. Tilak can’t say anything now as he is in early part of his career. But BCCI with this proof can take action
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 15, 2026
If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me if BCCI will take action against them
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 15, 2026
Replying to another user, Sivaramakrishnan posted, X: “Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most. I am sure I would be trolled again.”
Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most. I am sure I would be trolled again.
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 15, 2026
