The raw, unreleased IPL 2008 “slapgate” footage where Harbhajan slaps Sreesanth has just been revealed by Lalit Modi after 18 years.
Footage Emerges After Nearly Two Decades
Nearly 18 years after IPL’s infamous “slapgate”, the previously unseen video has finally surfaced. Lalit Modi, founder and former chairman of the league, released the clip during the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast with former Australian captain Michael Clarke. Captured by a security camera well after broadcast cams were off, the video shows Harbhajan Singh delivering a glancing slap to S. Sreesanth during post-match handshakes.
Inside the Slapgate Incident
- The incident occurred after an electrifying match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in IPL’s inaugural season, 2008.
- The moment was caught by a security camera, not televised—making its release a dramatic reveal.
- “I hadn’t put it out for so long. We have 18 years behind us for this,” said Modi during the podcast.
Consequences of the Slap
Harbhajan faced harsh penalties: an 11-match IPL ban and suspension from Indian cricket selections, though some sought a lifetime ban. Modi ultimately opted for a less severe sanction, pointing to the fledgling state of the league.
Harbhajan’s Apology and Emotional Toll
In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan expressed deep regret:
“I’d remove that incident if I could. What transpired was wrong, and I shouldn’t have done it…. I apologized 200 times.”
The moment that broke him was meeting Sreesanth’s young daughter, who reportedly said:
“I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.”
Harbhajan revealed his heartbreak, saying it left him “on the verge of tears.”
Quick Overview: Slapgate Revisited
| Key Moment | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Harbhajan slaps Sreesanth in 2008 IPL match |
| Video Release | Leaked by Lalit Modi via security footage |
| Penalty Received | 11-match IPL ban and suspension from national selection |
| Emotional Impact | Ongoing regret and a painful memory involving Sreesanth’s daughter |
This long-buried footage adds a new chapter to IPL history, reminding fans that even superstar moments come with their shadows. Harbhajan’s enduring remorse and public apology underscore the emotional consequences of actions caught in the public eye.
