The infamous slapgate controversy of IPL 2008 is back in news, as S Sreesanth has accused Harabhajan Singh of profiting by around Rs 1 crore from an advertisement based on the incident.
The infamous slapping incident took place 18 years ago, when Harbhajan, then playing for Mumbai Indians slapped Sreesanth who was representing Punjab Kings (now Punjab Kings) after a match while players were exchanging handshakes. The incident left Sreesanth in tears on the field and led to strict disciplinary action. Harbhajan, popularly known as the ‘Turbanator,' was banned for the remainder of the season, and his entire match fee was forfeited.
The moment is back in public discussion as Sreesanth has presented his version of the incident in a recent interview.
Speaking to Malayalam outlet Mathrubhumi, Sreesanth revisited the episode. He said this was the first time he had spoken openly about Harbhajan in such detail.
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“Until recently, there were no issues, but he made an advertisement about the incident again. He earned around Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore from it and even asked me to share it. I told him, ‘I'll forgive, but I'll never forget.' If you forget, the same thing can happen again,” Sreesanth said, adding that the episode continues to shape his perception.
He also disclosed that he has blocked Harbhajan on Instagram and no longer shares any relationship with his former teammate. “I once considered him a brother, but after that ad, I decided to cut ties. I have no complaints, nor do I need him. My parents taught me to forgive but never forget,” he added.
Sreesanth further claimed that despite Harbhajan often speaking positively in public, he believes it does not reflect his personal experience. “People may see him as a great person, and he might be. But from my time in the Indian team to now, I feel it's all an act—and that's something I cannot accept,” he said.
The controversy had also returned to the spotlight last year when IPL founder Lalit Modi shared previously unseen footage of the 2008 altercation in a podcast episode with former Australian captain Michael Clarke. At the time, both players publicly criticised Modi and suggested that matters between them had been resolved. However, Sreesanth's latest remarks indicate that the rift may still persist beneath the surface.
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