The fight between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth is one of the most discussed and controversial moments in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Almost 18 years later, the notorious “slap-gate” incident is back in the spotlight after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi claimed he has unseen footage of it. He recently shared this information on Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
What controversy between Harbhajan and Sreesanth
The controversy began during the first IPL season in 2008, during a match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians in Mohali. After Punjab won, players were leaving the field when Mumbai’s stand-in captain, Harbhajan Singh, suddenly slapped Sreesanth.
The fast bowler, known for his fiery demeanor in the game, was later shown crying on live television while his teammates comforted him. The exact reason for the controversy was never confirmed, but reports shows that Sreesanth’s comments during the match may upset Harbhajan.
Face punishment and suspended by BCCI
Harbhajan was suspended for the rest of the season and received an 11-match ban. The BCCI’s disciplinary committee found him guilty of misconduct, and he lost his match fees. Although Harbhajan later apologized and the players eventually made amends, the incident remains a significant part of IPL history.
Now, Modi is stirring up attention again by sharing what he claims is an unseen video of the event. “It happened. Absolutely. And I’ll tell you what happened,” Modi told Clarke when asked about the incident. “One of my security cameras was on because I was walking onto the field, and it caught the moment. As players were exchanging handshakes, Bhajji just looked at Sreesanth, said something, and gave him a backhander. That’s what the footage shows.”
Modi said that he has “kept back” this video for 18 years and claims it captures a moment that television cameras missed. “I haven’t put it out for so long. But yes, it happened,” he added.
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