The online row involving Arshdeep Singh has escalated into a major off-field crisis for Punjab Kings during their IPL 2026 campaign. Driven by the team's poor five-match losing streak, the local player's blunt social media engagement has exposed deep-rooted operational and behavioural frictions within the franchise.The viral interaction occurred on social media directly following Punjab Kings' latest defeat, which left fans highly vocal about the team's predictable tactical failures. A verified supporter left a comment claiming that watching Punjab Kings play this season felt deeply embarrassing. They openly questioned the players' dedication and commitment to the region. “Please remove Punjab from the IPL, why are you insulting us, my friend”, the fan said.

Arshdeep took a screenshot of the chat and fired back publicly. He wrote: “What have you done for Punjab, Singh saab? People who still ask family money for chips and cold drink are giving advice on whether to keep the name or not?” Netizens heavily called out Arshdeep for mocking the fan's financial status. Critics pointed out that calling paying supporters "dependents who live off pocket money" is incredibly arrogant for a contracted international athlete.

Arshdeep Singh faces backlash over racist remark for Tilak Varma

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has ignited severe backlash online following a viral Snapchat video where he made racially insensitive, colourist remarks directed at Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma. The incident has sparked an intense debate regarding casual racism and dressing-room banter in Indian cricket. The controversy erupted from a video snippet recorded prior to the IPL 2026 Dharamshala clash between the two teams. Arshdeep was captured calling out to Varma using the phrase, “Oye andhere, sunscreen nahi lagayi?” (Hey dark one, didn't you apply sunscreen?).

 

He then panned his camera toward his Punjab teammate Naman Dhir, hailing him as the “asli noor” (true light/glow) of Punjab while dismissing Varma as "nakli" (fake).Netizens quickly pointed out that Varma appeared visibly uncomfortable and awkward on camera upon hearing the remark. Cricket enthusiasts on X and Instagram called out the player's underlying bias, demanding strict accountability. Commenters noted that sugarcoating skin-tone mockery as "Punjabi player banter" is completely unacceptable on a public platform.