Daijiworld Media Network – Mohali
Mohali, Aug 29: A controversial incident from the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has once again resurfaced, grabbing the attention of cricket fans worldwide. The infamous episode where Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth during IPL 2008 has reappeared on social media after 17 years, as never-seen-before footage went viral.
The incident took place on April 25, 2008, during a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab at Mohali. Led by Harbhajan Singh, Mumbai suffered a humiliating 66-run defeat. Moments after the match ended, Sreesanth was seen in tears, and reports emerged that Harbhajan had slapped him. However, the actual footage of the incident had never been released.
Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi recently disclosed the controversial video during a podcast with former Australian captain Michael Clarke. Modi revealed that while match cameras had been turned off, a security camera had captured the moment. “I was on the field that day. After the game, players were shaking hands. When Sreesanth came to Harbhajan, Bhajji told him to come closer and then gave him a backhander,” Modi said.
The leaked video, now circulating widely on social media, shows players of both teams exchanging handshakes after the match. Harbhajan is then seen slapping Sreesanth, who initially appears stunned and confused. As Sreesanth tries to approach Harbhajan in anger, other teammates intervene to calm the situation.
Following this incident, Harbhajan Singh was banned for the remainder of the IPL season and handed a five-match ODI ban. Over the years, Harbhajan has repeatedly expressed regret over his actions. Speaking in past interviews, he revealed how Sreesanth’s daughter once told him, “I won’t talk to you, you hit my father,” which made him feel like a villain in her eyes.
In a YouTube interaction, Harbhajan admitted, “If there is one thing I want to change in my life, it is that incident with Sreesanth. I wish I could erase it from my career. What happened that day was wrong, I should not have done it. I have apologized 200 times over the years, on every platform, but it still hurts me deeply.”
Even now, 17 years later, fans of both cricketers continue to revisit the episode, with many expressing disappointment over Harbhajan’s actions despite his repeated apologies. The viral video has once again reminded the cricketing world of one of IPL’s earliest controversies.