- Laxman Sivaramakrishnan demands season ban for Arshdeep Singh.
- Arshdeep faced criticism for a social media video on Tilak Varma.
- Sivaramakrishnan suggests salary deduction and player accountability.
- Varma delivered match-winning performance despite controversy.
The former Indian spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has demanded a season-long ban for Arshdeep Singh following a controversial social media post involving Tilak Varma. The Punjab Kings pacer is facing intense scrutiny for what many have described as casual racism during the ongoing IPL tournament. Sivaramakrishnan has urged the cricket board to intervene and penalise the player through a significant salary deduction.
The Controversial Social Media Clip
The incident surfaced after Arshdeep Singh shared a video on Snapchat featuring Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma. In the recording, the speedster used a derogatory term to describe Varma’s complexion.
He allegedly asked the young batsman if he had applied sunscreen before moving the camera to another teammate. The footage quickly went viral, prompting a wave of condemnation from cricket supporters.
Watch Arshdeep’s Racial Remark On Tilak Varma
Arshdeep Singh looked straight at Tilak Varma and said:
“Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?”
The pain and discomfort on Tilak’s face said it all, He was visibly hurt and NOT impressed at all.
How can a “joke” cut so deep? This wasn’t banter, it was pure racial shade 😔 pic.twitter.com/86BbYv8wI9
— PitchTalks (@ThePitchTalks) May 14, 2026
Sivaramakrishnan Calls For Strict Sanctions
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who has frequently spoken out against colour-based discrimination, took to social media to voice his anger. He argued that dismissing such comments as simple humour allows the problem to persist.
He suggested that Arshdeep should be paid on a pro-rata basis and removed from the current season. He believes that financial penalties are the only way to ensure players remain professional.
WATCH POST
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
Potential For Wider Disclosures
The veteran spinner also indicated that he is prepared to name individuals from his own career who subjected him to similar abuse. He promised to reveal these details if the BCCI acts.
“If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me if BCCI will take action against them,” he wrote. His comments have reignited a long-standing debate regarding player conduct.
ALSO READ | ICC Imposes Disciplinary Sanctions On Pakistan: 8 WTC Points Lost, Players Fined 40% Match Fee
Varma Responds On The Pitch
Despite the off-field distractions, Tilak Varma produced a match-winning performance against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. He scored an unbeaten 75 from 33 balls to secure a vital victory for Mumbai.
His innings featured six sixes and proved decisive in chasing down the target of 201. The victory left Punjab’s playoff hopes in tatters as the team now faces mounting internal pressure.
ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid ‘Disagrees’ With Gautam Gambhir’s Stance On ‘Superstar Culture’
The Pressure On Punjab Kings
The franchise has now lost five consecutive matches and sits near the bottom of the table. The controversy surrounding their lead pacer adds further complications to an already difficult league campaign.
The team management has yet to release an official statement regarding the disciplinary matter. Supporters are waiting to see if the league authorities will investigate the alleged breach of conduct.
