The "slapgate" incident between Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth during the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008 remains a controversial moment in cricket history. Recently, Harbhajan Singh has revisited the incident, expressing his regret and remorse for his actions.
The incident occurred after a match between Mumbai Indians, where Harbhajan Singh was the captain, and Kings XI Punjab, where Sreesanth played. Following the match, a heated exchange between Harbhajan and Sreesanth led to Harbhajan slapping Sreesanth. Sreesanth was later seen on television in tears, being consoled by his teammates. The exact reason for the altercation remains unclear, though reports suggest Sreesanth made provocative comments that triggered Harbhajan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took swift action, suspending Harbhajan Singh for the remainder of the IPL season and later imposing an 11-match ban. The referee at the time, Farokh Engineer, also fined Harbhajan 100% of his match fees. Lalit Modi, who issued a statement, said the assault was unprovoked based on video tapes.
Seventeen years after the incident, Harbhajan Singh has publicly apologized for his behavior. He admitted his mistake on social media, acknowledging that his actions were wrong. He expressed regret, stating, "This wasn't right bhai. It was my mistake. Shouldn't have done this". Harbhajan further added, "Galti hui Insaan hu. Bhagwaan nahi,” meaning "I made a mistake, I am only human, not God".
Harbhajan Singh also revealed a particularly painful consequence of his actions. In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan shared that years after the incident, he met Sreesanth's daughter. He said that he was talking to her with love, but she told him, "I don't want to talk to you. You hit my father". Harbhajan said that her words shattered his heart and left him on the verge of tears, wondering what impression he had left on her. He has apologized to Sreesanth's daughter, wishing that she wouldn't see him in the same light as she grows up and that she would see him as an uncle who will always be there for her.
Sreesanth has also spoken about the incident, admitting that Harbhajan had asked him before the game not to be too aggressive against the Mumbai Indians team. He also stated that he was shocked and heartbroken after being slapped. Despite the conflict, Sreesanth has said he always looked up to Harbhajan. Sreesanth admitted that his tears were an emotional response to disappointing a player he saw as an elder brother.
Harbhajan has expressed a desire to erase the "slapgate" incident from his life. He has apologized multiple times and stated that he felt bad that it had occurred. He acknowledges that while Sreesanth might have provoked him, his reaction was not okay. Harbhajan has emphasized that they were teammates, and the situation should not have escalated to that level. He has stated, "We all make mistakes and we hope and try to never repeat such mistakes".
The "slapgate" incident remains a significant event in IPL history. The incident led to his suspension from the rest of the season and a fine. Harbhajan has since apologized for his actions, expressing deep regret.
