The Indian Premier League (IPL), since its inception in 2008, has been a cornerstone of global cricket, blending high-octane competition with entertainment. However, its journey has not been without controversy. One of the most infamous incidents in IPL history, the 2008 “Slapgate” involving former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth, has recently resurfaced, stirring emotions and reigniting debates. The catalyst? Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s decision to release previously unseen footage of the incident on a podcast with former Australian captain Michael Clarke. This move has drawn sharp criticism, most notably from former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who blasted Modi for his insensitivity, questioning the motives behind revisiting a long-buried episode. This article delves into the controversy, its impact, and the broader implications for sportsmanship and media responsibility in cricket.
The Slapgate Incident: A Dark Chapter in IPL History
The “Slapgate” incident occurred on April 25, 2008, during a match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mohali. Harbhajan Singh, then the stand-in captain for MI, was involved in a heated altercation with Kings XI Punjab’s pacer S Sreesanth. As players from both teams engaged in post-match handshakes, Harbhajan struck Sreesanth with a backhanded slap, an act that shocked the cricketing world. The incident, not captured by the broadcast cameras due to a commercial break, was only partially witnessed through images of a tearful Sreesanth being consoled by teammates like Irfan Pathan and Mahela Jayawardene.
The fallout was immediate. Harbhajan faced a disciplinary hearing, resulting in an 11-match ban for breaching the IPL’s code of conduct and a five-match ODI ban imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He issued multiple public apologies, expressing regret for his actions, which he attributed to the heat of the moment. The incident, dubbed “Slapgate,” became a defining moment of the IPL’s inaugural season, casting a shadow over the league’s nascent reputation. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle later revealed that the footage, captured by Modi’s private security camera, was deliberately suppressed to protect the IPL’s image during its formative years.
The Resurfacing of the Footage
Fast forward to August 29, 2025, when Lalit Modi appeared on Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast. During the discussion, Modi revealed the long-unseen footage of the Slapgate incident, showing Harbhajan striking Sreesanth during the post-match handshake. The video, which Modi claimed was recorded by his security camera, quickly went viral, reigniting a controversy that had been dormant for nearly two decades. Modi defended his decision, stating he was merely responding to a question posed by Clarke and emphasizing that he was “known to speak the truth.” He further noted that Sreesanth was the victim and that he had no intention of reopening old wounds.
However, the release of the footage was met with widespread condemnation. Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari, took to social media to express her outrage, calling the act “disgusting, heartless, and inhuman.” She highlighted that both Harbhajan and Sreesanth had moved on, having reconciled years ago, and were now fathers with school-going children. Bhuvneshwari emphasized the emotional toll on their families, noting that the video’s release forced them to relive a painful moment and subjected their children to unwarranted scrutiny. She even suggested that Modi and Clarke should face legal consequences for their actions, accusing them of chasing “cheap publicity and views.”
Robin Uthappa’s Scathing Criticism
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa added fuel to the fire with a scathing critique of Modi and Clarke. On September 3, 2025, Uthappa took to social media to question the insensitivity of releasing the video, arguing that it reopened a settled matter for no justifiable reason. He suggested that the act reflected a lack of empathy and hinted at potential racial double standards in cricket, noting that similar incidents involving non-Indian players are often handled differently. Uthappa’s comments resonated with many fans and former players, who felt that Modi’s decision was unnecessary and damaging to the players involved.
Uthappa’s critique was not just about the act of releasing the video but also about the broader implications for the sport. He emphasized the need for empathy in cricket, a game that thrives on camaraderie and mutual respect. By dragging up an incident that both players had moved past, Modi and Clarke were seen as undermining the progress made in fostering a positive environment within the IPL. Uthappa’s remarks also sparked discussions about the responsibility of influential figures in cricket to prioritize the well-being of players and their families over sensationalism.
Harbhajan Singh’s Response: Regret and Disappointment
Harbhajan Singh, who has repeatedly expressed remorse for the 2008 incident, was quick to respond to the video’s release. Speaking to Instant Bollywood, he described the leak as “wrong” and suggested that Modi might have had “selfish motives” behind it. Harbhajan reiterated his regret, stating, “I feel bad for whatever happened. We were playing, and everyone had things going on in their mind. Mistakes happened, and we do feel ashamed about it.” He emphasized that he and Sreesanth now share a cordial relationship, having reconciled years ago, and that revisiting the incident was unnecessary and hurtful.
Harbhajan’s comments highlighted the personal impact of the video’s release. He recounted a heartbreaking moment when Sreesanth’s daughter questioned him about the incident, underscoring the emotional toll on both families. His acknowledgment of his mistake, coupled with his disappointment in Modi’s actions, painted a picture of a man who has sought redemption but is now forced to confront a past he had long put behind him.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Perspective: Moving On
Another prominent voice in the controversy was Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who condemned Modi and Clarke for circulating the footage. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin described the incident as the “head of the anaconda that keeps on rising,” lamenting the modern era’s obsession with viral content. He stressed that both Harbhajan and Sreesanth had reconciled and that reopening the matter served no purpose other than stirring unnecessary trouble. Ashwin urged for closure, stating, “Anyone who makes a mistake, when they get a chance to move on, they take that chance.”
Ashwin’s comments reflected a broader sentiment within the cricketing community: the need to let go of past mistakes and focus on the present. His metaphor of the “anaconda” captured the persistent nature of controversies in the digital age, where old footage can resurface and reignite debates at any moment. His call for restraint and empathy resonated with fans who felt that the Slapgate incident should remain a closed chapter.
Lalit Modi’s Defense: Truth or Publicity?
In response to the backlash, Lalit Modi defended his decision to release the footage, arguing that he was simply answering a question posed by Clarke during the podcast. Speaking to IANS, he stated, “I don’t know why she is getting angry. I was asked a question, and I shared the truth. I can’t do anything about that. I am known to speak the truth. Sree was the victim, and that’s exactly what I said.” Modi also revealed that he had held onto the footage for 18 years, choosing not to release it earlier to protect the IPL’s image. He suggested that the timing of the release was driven by the context of the podcast discussion rather than a deliberate attempt to stir controversy.
However, Modi’s defense has been met with skepticism. Critics, including Harbhajan and Uthappa, argue that the release was motivated by a desire for publicity, especially given Modi’s announcement that more revelations would be featured in an upcoming movie supervised by Sneha Rajani, former head of marketing at Sony India. The timing of the release, coupled with Modi’s high-profile status and the viral nature of the footage, has led many to question whether his motives were as altruistic as he claims.
Harsha Bhogle’s Insight: Protecting the IPL’s Image
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle provided context for why the footage remained hidden for nearly two decades. In a post on X, Bhogle explained that the video was deliberately kept out of the public domain to protect the IPL’s reputation during its inaugural season. “The IPL was in its first year, and it wouldn’t have been the best bit of news for it,” he wrote. Bhogle’s revelation underscored the delicate balance between transparency and brand management in the early years of the IPL, a league that was still establishing itself as a global phenomenon.
Bhogle’s comments highlight the complexities of managing a high-profile sporting event. While the decision to suppress the footage in 2008 may have been justified to safeguard the league’s image, its release in 2025 has raised questions about the ethics of revisiting such incidents. Bhogle’s perspective adds a layer of nuance to the controversy, illustrating the competing interests at play in the world of professional cricket.
The Broader Implications: Sportsmanship and Media Responsibility
The Slapgate controversy raises important questions about sportsmanship, media responsibility, and the role of influential figures in cricket. The incident itself was a lapse in judgment by Harbhajan, but his subsequent apologies and reconciliation with Sreesanth demonstrate the potential for growth and forgiveness in sports. By contrast, Modi’s decision to release the footage has been criticized as a step backward, undermining the progress made by both players in moving past the incident.
Robin Uthappa’s critique also touches on the issue of racial double standards in cricket, a topic that has long been a point of contention. His suggestion that similar incidents involving non-Indian players might be handled differently points to the need for greater equity and sensitivity in how controversies are addressed within the sport. This perspective resonates with broader discussions about fairness and representation in cricket, particularly in a global league like the IPL.
Moreover, the incident underscores the power of media in shaping narratives. In the digital age, where viral content can resurface old wounds, figures like Modi and Clarke have a responsibility to consider the impact of their actions on players, their families, and the cricketing community. The backlash against the video’s release reflects a growing demand for accountability and empathy in how such incidents are handled.
The Human Cost: Families and Legacy
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the controversy is its impact on the families of Harbhajan and Sreesanth. Bhuvneshwari’s heartfelt Instagram posts highlighted the pain of seeing her husband and his former teammate dragged back into a decades-old controversy. Her mention of their children facing questions and shame underscores the human cost of such actions. Similarly, Harbhajan’s anecdote about Sreesanth’s daughter reflects the lasting emotional toll of the incident, even years after reconciliation.
This aspect of the controversy serves as a reminder that athletes are not just public figures but also individuals with personal lives and families. The decision to release sensitive footage, especially without the consent of those involved, can have far-reaching consequences beyond the realm of sport.
A Call for Sensitivity
The resurfacing of the Slapgate video has reignited a painful chapter in IPL history, drawing sharp criticism from players, their families, and fans. Robin Uthappa’s passionate condemnation of Lalit Modi’s actions encapsulates the sentiment of many: that revisiting a settled incident for the sake of publicity is insensitive and unnecessary. While Modi defends his decision as an act of truth-telling, the overwhelming consensus is that it reopened old wounds for no meaningful purpose.
The controversy serves as a case study in the importance of sensitivity and responsibility in cricket. It highlights the need for influential figures to prioritize the well-being of players and their families over sensationalism. As the IPL continues to grow as a global sporting phenomenon, incidents like Slapgate remind us of the challenges of balancing transparency, accountability, and empathy. For Harbhajan and Sreesanth, who have long moved on, the hope is that the cricketing world will follow suit, allowing them to focus on their legacies as players and fathers rather than a moment of regret from 2008.
