Casual colourism, vaping and the never-ending controversies of IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is grappling with a significant image problem as controversies surrounding player behaviour dominate the second half of the tournament. A major talking point is the casual display of colourism, exemplified by Punjab Kings' Arshdeep Singh, who lampooned the skin colour of his national teammate Tilak Varma on Snapchat. This incident was compounded by the Mumbai Indians' engagement in banter, highlighting a lack of seriousness in the league's response. Beyond social media issues, the tournament has seen a series of infractions, including players bringing unvetted individuals to team hotels, restricted areas, and vaping, which is a punishable offence. Senior players have also been seen with partners on team buses, violating established protocols. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict directives, but the effectiveness of simple fines is questioned as franchises often pay them on behalf of players. These issues, while less destructive than historical match-fixing scandals, are contributing to declining viewer interest, partly due to a ban on gaming sites. The article suggests that despite nearly two decades of existence, the IPL and its participants continue to struggle with basic discipline and respect, raising doubts about the league's long-term reputation.

(Source：The National)