Ban Arshdeep: L Sivaramakrishnan urges BCCI action for Tilak Varma racist remark

Former India spinner, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has called for a season-long ban for Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Arshdeep Singh on Friday, May 15. This comes in the wake of a viral video where Arshdeep allegedly directed a "racist" comment toward Mumbai Indians’ batter Tilak Varma ahead of their game in Dharamsala.

The controversy stems from a viral Snapchat video shared by Arshdeep on Thursday, May 14. In the clip, the Punjab Kings pacer is seen engaging in what he likely intended as playful banter with Tilak Varma. Arshdeep looked directly at Tilak and said, "Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?" (Hey dark one, did you apply sunscreen?).

The conversation didn't stop there. Arshdeep then pointed toward Tilak’s teammate, Naman Dhir, calling him the "real Noor" (light/glow) from Punjab. While Dhir was seen explaining the meaning of the words, who eventually replied that he already uses sunscreen, the clip has ignited a firestorm on social media.

BANTER OR BIGOTRY?

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan took to X on Friday morning to express his outrage and dismiss the bantered defence used by some fans. He argued that the power dynamics in professional cricket often keep younger players from speaking out.

The former leg-spinner, who has previously voiced concerns over colour-based discrimination, argued that dismissing such remarks as dressing room humour is exactly why these issues persist. He emphasized the professional nature of the modern game, stating simply, "It is not a game any more, it is a profession."

In a follow-up post, he called for a financial and competitive penalty to ensure a firm precedent is set.

Sivaramakrishnan concluded his series of posts with a significant offer to the board, suggesting that a crackdown on current players could lead to him revealing deeper issues from his own career. He wrote, "If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me if BCCI will take action against them."

BCCI's DISCIPLINE PROBLEM?

This incident puts the BCCI in a difficult position. Earlier this season, the board issued a strict seven-page advisory to all IPL franchises regarding off-field behaviour and social media conduct.

Arshdeep has already been under the scanner this month after another of his vlogs allegedly caught teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in a vaping controversy.

Under the current IPL Code of Conduct, any conduct that is considered to be contrary to the spirit of the game or which brings the game into disrepute can be subject to review by the Match Referee or the BCCI disciplinary committee. Whether this exchange is viewed as a private joke between peers or a breach of professional standards remains the central question for the authorities.

As the 2026 season enters its final stages, the focus now shifts to whether the BCCI will choose to address the matter formally or provide further clarity on its social media guidelines for players. For Sivaramakrishnan, the path forward is clear: the transition from a game to a global profession requires a level of accountability that matches the sport's massive public platform.

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