IPL 2026: Arshdeep Singh's Snapchat banter with Tilak Varma sparks racism row
Synopsis
A Snapchat clip showing Arshdeep Singh joking about Tilak Varma's skin tone has gone viral during IPL 2026, drawing racism allegations online. It is the second social media controversy linked to Arshdeep this season — and it arrives just as BCCI guidelines on player conduct are reportedly in force, raising the question of whether the board will act.
Key Takeaways
Arshdeep Singh of Punjab Kings faces backlash over a Snapchat video involving Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir that surfaced on Thursday .
Arshdeep reportedly called Tilak 'andhere' (darkness) and joked about sunscreen, while calling Naman Dhir the real 'noor' (light) from Punjab.
Multiple social media users labelled the remarks 'insensitive' and carrying racist undertones .
This follows an earlier controversy in which Arshdeep's YouTube vlog captured Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a plane.
The BCCI had reportedly issued fresh conduct guidelines for IPL players covering social media behaviour, smoking, and vaping.
Neither Arshdeep nor Punjab Kings had issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh is at the centre of a fresh controversy after a video involving Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma circulated widely on social media on Thursday, with multiple reports claiming the clip carried racist undertones. The video, reportedly shared on Snapchat by Arshdeep, has reignited debate around cricketers' conduct on social media during IPL 2026.
What the Video Showed
The clip, described as informal banter between players, showed Arshdeep apparently referring to Tilak Varma as 'andhere' — a Hindi term associated with darkness — and joking that the batter should apply sunscreen. Also present in the video was Mumbai Indians player Naman Dhir, whom Arshdeep reportedly called the real 'noor' — meaning light — 'from Punjab'. As Naman explained the word to Tilak, the batter replied that he already uses sunscreen, suggesting the exchange was casual among the players involved.
Online Backlash
Despite the apparently light-hearted tone among the players, the video drew swift criticism online. Several users labelled Arshdeep's remarks as 'insensitive', with some arguing that comments referencing skin colour — however jokingly intended — carry racist undertones and are inappropriate for public figures with large followings. Arshdeep commands more than six million followers on Instagram, amplifying the scrutiny around his social media content.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not Arshdeep's first brush with social media-related controversy. A vlog posted on his YouTube channel previously drew widespread attention after it captured Yuzvendra Chahal vaping inside an aircraft. That incident, too, sparked a significant public reaction and raised questions about what players choose to share publicly.
BCCI Guidelines in Focus
The episode has renewed attention on guidelines that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly circulated for IPL players, support staff, and team officials. According to reports, the advisory covers player conduct, guest access at team hotels, anti-corruption measures, smoking and vaping rules, and the mandatory display of accreditation cards. It is not yet clear whether the BCCI has formally taken note of the Arshdeep video or initiated any inquiry.
What Happens Next
Neither Arshdeep Singh nor the Punjab Kings franchise had issued an official response at the time of reporting. The incident adds to a growing conversation around the responsibilities of professional cricketers on social media — particularly during the high-visibility window of the IPL season. How the BCCI responds, if at all, could set a precedent for how such incidents are handled going forward.
Point of View
It risks signalling that its guidelines are cosmetic.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arshdeep Singh say in the viral video with Tilak Varma?
Arshdeep Singh reportedly called Tilak Varma 'andhere' — a Hindi word associated with darkness — and joked that he should apply sunscreen. He also referred to Mumbai Indians player Naman Dhir as the real 'noor' (light) from Punjab. The exchange appeared casual among the players but drew racism allegations online.
Why is the video being called racist?
Critics argue that jokes referencing a person's skin colour — even when framed as banter — carry racist undertones, particularly when made by public figures with millions of followers. Several social media users described Arshdeep's remarks as 'insensitive' and inappropriate for someone with his platform.
Has Arshdeep Singh been in social media controversies before?
Yes. A vlog on Arshdeep's YouTube channel previously went viral after it showed cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal vaping inside an aircraft, drawing widespread public criticism and raising questions about player conduct online.
What are the BCCI's guidelines on player conduct during IPL 2026?
The BCCI reportedly circulated an advisory covering player behaviour on social media and off the field, including rules on guest access at team hotels, anti-corruption measures, smoking and vaping, and the display of accreditation cards. It is not yet confirmed whether the board has taken formal note of the Arshdeep video.
Has Arshdeep Singh or Punjab Kings responded to the controversy?
Neither Arshdeep Singh nor the Punjab Kings franchise had issued an official response at the time of reporting. The matter remains unaddressed publicly by those directly involved.
