The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Harbhajan Singh, the former India cricketer turned commentator for IPL 2025, found himself at the center of a major controversy after making a comment about England pacer Jofra Archer during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals match on Sunday. In an attempt to make a point about Archer’s fast bowling, Harbhajan used an unfortunate and widely criticized analogy involving a “kaali taxi” (black taxi), which many perceived as racially insensitive.
The comment, which Harbhajan made during his commentary, was: “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 analogy was meant to highlight Archer’s pace, but the use of the term “kaali taxi,” referring to London’s black taxis, sparked immediate backlash.
Social media erupted in response to the comment, with many users condemning Harbhajan for what they felt was a racially charged reference. The term “kaali” (black) is commonly used in a neutral sense in India, but in this context, it was deemed problematic by several viewers. Given that Harbhajan himself has been a victim of racial abuse during his playing days, the irony was not lost on the public, who expected him to be more sensitive to issues of race.
The controversy surrounding the comment has sparked heated discussions about racism in cricket and the responsibility of commentators, especially those with a platform as large as Harbhajan’s, to be mindful of their words. Many have pointed out that, despite the cricketer’s personal experiences with racism, the remark was ill-considered and unnecessary, especially given the current social climate that increasingly calls for more inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Harbhajan’s comments came under fire not only from fans but also from a few other cricketing personalities, who took to social media to voice their disapproval. Some noted that such remarks have no place in modern commentary, particularly in a high-profile tournament like the IPL, which is watched by millions of viewers globally.
While some defended Harbhajan, explaining that the analogy may have been lost in translation or misunderstood, the cricketer has yet to issue an official apology or clarification regarding his comment. In the wake of the incident, calls for more diversity training for commentators and sports personalities have grown louder, with many advocating for better awareness of cultural sensitivity in the world of sports broadcasting.
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