The infamous “slap-gate” incident between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth during the first IPL season in 2008 has returned to the headlines after 17 years. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi recently brought up the episode on a podcast and even claimed to have an unseen video of the altercation. This has reopened old wounds for cricketer Sreesanth and his family. While the cricketer himself chose not to comment, his wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari gave a strong and emotional response.
Old Incident Comes Back Again
Back in 2008, during a heated IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth on the field. The incident shocked fans when Sreesanth was seen crying on live television. It was later called the “slap-gate scandal.”
Both cricketers moved on from that controversy, continued their careers, and even played together for Team India. Over the years, Harbhajan has admitted it was his biggest regret, and Sreesanth too had chosen forgiveness.
Lalit Modi’s Comment on Podcast
Recently, Lalit Modi spoke about the incident on Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 podcast. He hinted at having “unseen footage” of the slap and reignited the controversy. This upset many, as fans and families felt it was unnecessary to bring back a painful moment after so many years.
Bhuvneshwari’s Strong Reply
Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari could not stay silent. She openly criticized Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke for reviving an old wound just for publicity.
She wrote in a social media post that dragging up such incidents is “cheap, heartless, and inhuman.” She also highlighted that both Sreesanth and Harbhajan are now fathers, and reviving such episodes causes pain not only to the players but also to their children.
Her words showed both anger and disappointment, as she felt the families were being forced to relive trauma unnecessarily. She added that her husband rebuilt his life with dignity and no leaked video could take that away.
Harbhajan Singh’s Regret
Harbhajan Singh has repeatedly admitted in interviews that the slap was one of his biggest mistakes. He has expressed deep regret and said he wished it had never happened. Despite the ugly moment, both Harbhajan and Sreesanth later played together and showed maturity in moving past it.
Why This Matters
Sports history is full of heated moments, but constantly reopening them can harm the mental peace of the people involved. Cricketers like Sreesanth and Harbhajan have already moved forward. Bringing back the controversy now not only affects them but also impacts their families, who have nothing to do with the old incident.
Conclusion
The revival of the 2008 “slap-gate” incident has once again sparked debate in Indian cricket circles. Lalit Modi’s remarks and the leaked video brought unwanted attention to something that should have stayed in the past. Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari, spoke strongly in defense of her husband, reminding everyone that dragging up old controversies only causes pain.
Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth have shown maturity by moving on. The incident should remain a lesson in sportsmanship, not a tool for publicity.
FAQs
What was the slap-gate incident?
It was a 2008 IPL controversy where Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.
Why is it in the news again?
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi discussed it on Michael Clarke’s podcast and claimed to have unseen video footage.
How did Sreesanth react?
Sreesanth has not commented this time. His wife Bhuvneshwari strongly reacted instead.
What did Bhuvneshwari say?
She criticized Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke for reviving the matter for views, calling it hurtful and inhuman.
What is Harbhajan Singh’s take now?
Harbhajan has admitted that the slap was his biggest regret and a mistake he wished had never happened.