Jobaaj Stories
Jofra Archer: Harbhajan Singh's Controversial Comment Sparks Outrage
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh's commentary during an IPL 2025 match ignited a firestorm of controversy. His comparison of Jofra Archer's expensive bowling spell to a "kaali taxi" (black taxi) in London, implying a fast-running meter, was widely condemned as racially insensitive. The remark, made during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals game, quickly went viral, sparking intense debate on social media.
Archer's Expensive Over and Harbhajan's Controversial Remarks
Archer had a disastrous outing, conceding a record-breaking 76 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket. This followed consecutive boundaries hit by Heinrich Klaasen, prompting Harbhajan's now-infamous comment: "London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, Aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai" (In London, the black taxi's meter runs fast, and Archer's meter has also been running fast here). The seemingly innocuous comparison drew sharp criticism for its underlying racial undertones. Many fans called for Harbhajan's removal from the commentary panel, highlighting the hypocrisy of a cricketer who has previously spoken out against racism making such a remark.
The Match: SRH's Record-Breaking Score
Despite Archer's poor performance, the match itself was a spectacle. Sunrisers Hyderabad amassed a staggering 286 runs, the second-highest total in IPL history, thanks largely to Ishan Kishan's maiden IPL century. Rajasthan Royals, despite half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, fell short by 44 runs. While Archer’s performance overshadowed the incredible batting display, the match itself will be remembered for its high-scoring action.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Debate
Harbhajan Singh's comment has ignited a crucial conversation about racial sensitivity in sports commentary. While he is yet to issue a public apology, the incident underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability within the cricketing world. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible language and the far-reaching impact of seemingly casual remarks.
