Former Indian spinner and commentator Harbhajan Singh has once again found himself at the center of a storm, with anger erupting on social media moments after his match with Pakistani cricketers following the ILT20 2025-26 match in Dubai.
Harbhajan Singh’s viral ILT20 video with Pakistani players sparks outrage
Harbhajan Singh has created a stir on social media after a video of the ILT20 2025-26 in Dubai showed him having a fun and informal discussion with Pakistani cricketers.
The clip went viral on social media platforms, with Indian fans questioning the former World Cup winner’s conduct amid the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
Also read: “ICC should…”: Harbhajan Singh’s blunt opinion on Bangladesh’s request to shift T20 World Cup 2026 matches
The anger increased even more because BCCI had already ordered Indian cricketers not to interact with Pakistani players on the field at any level.
Given this, fans have criticized Harbhajan and questioned why former Indian players were still seen openly socializing with Pakistani cricketers while active players have been instructed to maintain distance.
Watch: Harbhajan’s viral ILT20 moment
This incident occurred after a match of the Desert Vipers. Harbhajan Singh, part of the official broadcast panel, was being interviewed after the match.
During the segment, Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq, who played a key role in Desert Vipers lifting the ILT20 trophy under the captaincy of Sam Curran, was present and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who was Harbhajan’s commentary partner, also joined the discussion.
However, it was Harbhajan’s calm and cheerful mood, posing in friendly poses for the camera, that caught the fans’ attention. The viral video captured the moments where the former Indian spinner was seen laughing, joking and casually chatting with Usman Tariq and Shoaib Malik.
Meet Harbhajan Singh
>He is having fun with Pakistani players for money
>Harbhajan Singh had campaigned in support of Shahid Afridi’s NGO.
>Harbhajan Singh did not say a single word about Bangladeshi Hindus
>Harbhajan had a fight with a social media user because the person asked… pic.twitter.com/eZrh02Biru-Aditya (@Warlock_Aditya) 5 January 2026
These scenes did not go down well with Indian fans, especially considering the current strained relations between India and Pakistan following the recent military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack. Many fans criticized Harbhajan’s friendly interactions with Pakistani players.
Also read: Jay Shah-led ICC prepares warning over T20 World Cup 2026 impasse, BCB cornered
Shame! @harbhajan_singh
– Niladri (@Nichakra) 6 January 2026
It is not Harbhajan who is sharing all this. pic.twitter.com/EUMgJZJexd
– Chaka (@JOHNY99658683) 6 January 2026
Now come to India and give the knowledge of patriotism
– S (@kaajukatlee) 5 January 2026
I never thought about this with him
– Kavya (@Lekhika99) 6 January 2026
If it was about MS Dhoni, he would have sat on strike right now
– Everyday Pursuit (@evrydaypursuit) 6 January 2026
He is a traitor. When he supported Afridi, I immediately unfollowed him.
– Mac (@real_mac1) 6 January 2026
@harbhajan_singh Why so much love for Pakistan and that too for money???
โ (@su181818_) 6 January 2026
It’s not about sports anymore.
When public figures choose money and selective silence over fundamental principles, people are right to question them. Even silence sends a message.– Himani__ (@nandyzing) 6 January 2026
He is a traitor. When he supported Afridi, I immediately unfollowed him.
– Mac (@real_mac1) 6 January 2026
He is also reeling with Pakistanis in Dubai
– Swipe Saga (@SwipeSaga) 6 January 2026
These players should be ashamed
– ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ ๐ฆ (@amarhumai_) 6 January 2026
Harbhajan’s past controversies revisited
The latest incident has prompted netizens to dig into Harbhajan’s past controversies. Harbhajan faced criticism from many in 2020 when he, along with Yuvraj Singh, donated to Shahid Afridi’s foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, that move also hurt public sentiment and was heavily criticized on social media. Some people also remembered Harbhajan’s recent clash on social media in February 2025. The debate quickly escalated, with Harbhajan eventually saying that he had filed an FIR against the user for abusive language and alleged anti-India comments.
