Calls resurfacing of 2008 controversy “disgusting, heartless, and inhuman”
Background: The Slapgate Incident Reignited After 17 Years
Former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari Sreesanth, has strongly condemned former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi and ex-Australian cricketer Michael Clarke for releasing previously unseen footage of the infamous Harbhajan Singh slapgate incident. The video was aired on Clarke’s Beyond23 Podcast, showing Harbhajan Singh slapping Sreesanth after an IPL 2008 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
“Shame on You” – Bhuvneshwari’s Emotional Outburst
Taking to her Instagram stories, Bhuvneshwari wrote:
“Shame on you @lalitkmodi and @michaelclarkeofficial. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your own cheap publicity and views. Both @sreesanthnair36 and Harbhajan have long moved on… yet you try to throw them back into an old wound.”
She further stated that both players are now fathers with school-going children, and reviving such traumatic content has caused deep emotional pain to their families.
Impact on Family and Children
In another post, she emphasized how this unexpected resurfacing of the video has been emotionally distressing:
“This is not only about hurting the players but also scarring their innocent children, who now have to face shame and questions for no fault of theirs.”
The Footage: Captured by Lalit Modi’s Private Camera
Lalit Modi claimed during the podcast that the slap wasn’t captured by official broadcast cameras, as they were turned off post-match. Instead, his personal security camera recorded the moment as players were exchanging handshakes.
Modi said:
“Bhajji just looks at him, said something, and gave him a backhander. I had kept that video all these years—it’s been 18 years now.”
Video released by Lalit Modi :
The Aftermath: Ban and Reflection
- Harbhajan Singh received an eight-match suspension following the incident.
- Modi explained that disciplinary action was necessary to set boundaries in the newly-formed IPL league.
“Some called for a lifetime ban, but it was about setting an example,” said Modi.
Harbhajan’s Apology: “A Moment I Regret Deeply”
Earlier this year, Harbhajan Singh discussed the incident on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, expressing deep regret:
“One thing I’d want to change in my life is that incident with Sreesanth. It was wrong. I’ve apologized over 200 times. Even years later, I still feel ashamed and continue to apologize.”
The resurfacing of the Harbhajan-Sreesanth slapgate incident has not only reopened old wounds but also sparked a debate on the ethics of releasing sensitive footage for content. While the players involved have made peace and moved on, the emotional toll on their families remains undeniable.
Related News : Harbhajan’s Slap on Sreesanth Finally Seen – Lalit Modi Leaks Shocking Video!
