Harbhajan Singh Responds After Lalit Modi Shares 2008 Slapgate Video 17 Years Later

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Harbhajan-Singh-Sreesanth

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticized ex-IPL chairman Lalit Modi for releasing the infamous ‘slapgate’ video from IPL 2008. The controversial footage shows Harbhajan Singh slapping fellow cricketer S. Sreesanth during a match, an incident that has now resurfaced nearly 18 years later.

The video’s release has reignited debate and drawn negative attention to both players involved. Harbhajan Singh has accused the former IPL chief of releasing the footage with “selfish motives” and believes it should have remained private.

Lalit Modi Releases Unseen Slapgate Footage

Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League chairman, shared the previously unseen video during an appearance on ex-Australian captain Michael Clarke’s podcast, “Beyond 23.” During the interview, Modi discussed various incidents and stories from the early years of the IPL, including the controversial slapgate incident.

The incident occurred during IPL 2008 when Harbhajan Singh, representing Mumbai Indians, slapped S. Sreesanth of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) on the cricket field. While the incident was widely reported at the time due to the IPL’s popularity, the actual video footage had never been made public until Modi’s recent revelation.

The footage was released as part of Modi’s discussion about the formative years of the tournament and various behind-the-scenes incidents that shaped the league’s early history.

Below you can find the video released by Lalit Modi:

Harbhajan Singh’s Response to Video Release

Harbhajan Singh responded to the video’s release during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, where he was questioned about his reaction to the 17-year-old footage becoming public. Speaking to media, he acknowledged the incident while criticizing the manner of the video’s release.

“Yes, the video has gone viral. It was a very unfortunate incident, and I have acknowledged on many platforms that I made a mistake,” Harbhajan told reporters. “Humans make mistakes, and I made one too. On this occasion of Ganesh Puja, I have asked Lord Ganesh to forgive me for all my mistakes, because while we may forget, He is the one who can forgive.”

The veteran spinner expressed his displeasure with how the video was made public after such a long time. “The way the video has been leaked is wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. They might have selfish motives behind releasing this footage. Something that happened 18 years ago, which people had forgotten, is now being brought back to remind everyone,” he stated.

Reflection on Past Mistakes

Harbhajan Singh showed remorse for the incident, explaining the pressures and emotions involved in competitive cricket. “I feel bad about that incident because we were all playing under intense pressure, with various thoughts running through our minds. Sometimes we make mistakes that, when we reflect on them later, make us feel ashamed,” he said.

The former off-spinner emphasized that the incident was a momentary lapse in judgment during the heat of competition. He reiterated that while mistakes are human, the decision to resurrect footage from nearly two decades ago was unnecessary and potentially motivated by personal interests.

The controversy has once again brought attention to player conduct in the IPL and the responsibilities of former officials in handling sensitive footage from the league’s history. Harbhajan Singh’s response demonstrates both accountability for past actions and frustration with their public revival after so many years.

Below you can find Harbhajan Singh’s video

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