The former Indian spinner and commentator Harbhajan Singh has once again found himself at the center of a storm, with social media erupting in anger over his post-match moments with Pakistani cricketers after the ILT20 2025–26 match in Dubai.
Harbhajan Singh’s Viral ILT20 Video with Pakistan Players Sparks Fury
Harbhajan Singh has ignited a social media firestorm after a video from the ILT20 2025-26 in Dubai showed him having fun and casual discussions with Pakistani cricketers.
The clip went viral across the social media platforms, with the Indian fans questioning the former World Cup winner’s conduct amidst ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
The anger grew stronger because the BCCI had already ordered the Indian cricketers at any level not to engage in conversations with Pakistani players on the field.
Given that, the fans have slammed Harbhajan and questioned why former Indian players were still seen socializing openly with Pakistani cricketers when active players are instructed to maintain distance.
WATCH: Harbhajan’s Viral ILT20 Moment
The incident occurred after one of the matches of the Desert Vipers. Harbhajan Singh, part of the official broadcast panel, was conducting post-match interviews.
During this segment, Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq, who played a key role in the Desert Vipers lifting the ILT20 trophy under Sam Curran’s captaincy, was present, and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who was Harbhajan’s commentary colleague, also joined the discussion.
However, it was Harbhajan’s relaxed and cheerful mood, creating friendly visuals for the camera, that caught the attention of fans. The viral video captured moments where the former Indian spinner was seen laughing, joking, and casually chatting with Usman Tariq and Shoaib Malik.
Meet Harbhajan Singh
>He is chilling with Pakistani players for money
>Harbhajan Singh campaigned in support of Shahid Afridi’s NGO
>Harbhajan Singh didn’t say a single word about Bangladeshi Hindus
>Harbhajan got into a fight with a social media user because that person asked… pic.twitter.com/eZrh02Biru— Aditya (@Warlock_Aditya) January 5, 2026
Social Media Erupts: Harbhajan Faces Heat
These visuals did not go down well with the Indian fans, especially given the current tense relationship between India and Pakistan after recent military tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Many fans slammed Harbhajan’s friendly interaction with Pakistani players.
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its a shame @harbhajan_singh
— Niladri (@nichakra) January 6, 2026
not harbhajan they all are sharing 😂😂😂🤫🤫 pic.twitter.com/EUMgJZJexd
— chaka (@JOHNY99658683) January 6, 2026
Abhi india me aake deshbhakti ka gyan denge
— S. (@kaajukatlee) January 5, 2026
Never thought of this from him
— Kavya✨ (@Lekhika99) January 6, 2026
Baat MS Dhoni ki hoti toh abhi dharne pr baith jaata
— Everyday Pursuits (@evrydaypursuit) January 6, 2026
He’s traitor. I straight away unfollowed him when he supported Afridi.
— Mac (@real_mac1) January 6, 2026
@harbhajan_singh etna pyar pakistan ke liye vo bhi paiso ke liye aakhir kyu ???
— 🌟 (@su181818_) January 6, 2026
This isn’t about sport anymore.
When public figures choose money and selective silence over basic principles, people are right to question them. Silence, too, sends a message.— Himanii__ (@nandyzing) January 6, 2026
He’s traitor. I straight away unfollowed him when he supported Afridi.
— Mac (@real_mac1) January 6, 2026
He is also doing reels with Pakistanis in dubai
— Swipe Saga (@SwipeSaga) January 6, 2026
Shame on these players
— 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐢 (@amarhumai_) January 6, 2026
Harbhajan’s Past Controversies Revisited
The latest incident has led netizens to dig into Harbhajan’s past controversies. Many recalled the criticism Harbhajan faced in 2020 when he, along with Yuvraj Singh, donated to Shahid Afridi’s foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, that move had also hurt public sentiment and sparked heavy criticism on social media. Some even recalled Harbhajan’s recent clash on social media in February 2025. The argument escalated quickly, with Harbhajan eventually stating that he had filed an FIR against the user for abusive language and alleged anti-India remarks.
