Harbhajan Singh Blasts Lalit Modi for Resurfacing 'Slap-Gate' Scandal: 'Why Reopen Old Wounds?'

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has slammed former IPL chairman Lalit Modi for releasing the infamous ‘slap-gate’ incident video from the Indian Premier League 2008 (IPL 2008). Recently, Lalit leaked the never-seen-before video on a podcast show with former Australia cricketer Michael Clarke, sparking fresh conversations on one of the biggest controversies of IPL history.

Harbhajan had infamously slapped Sreesanth after Match 10 of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians in Mohali. The incident spread like wildfire all over the cricketing fraternity and even led to Harbhajan’s ban from the IPL for the remainder of the season.

As the unseen video of the incident has finally made its way into the public, Harbhajan lashed out at Lalit for using it for ‘selfish motives’ and reminding people about his actions, which he repents to this day.

“The way the video has been leaked, it's wrong. It shouldn't have happened. They might have a selfish motive behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago, people have forgotten, and they are reminding people about it,” said Harbhajan told instant Bollywood.

Furthermore, Harbhajan retired that he regrets his actions and he feels ‘ashamed’ of it.

“I feel bad for whatever happened. We were playing, and everyone had things going on in their mind. Mistakes happened, and I do feel ashamed about it. Yes, the video has gone viral. It was an unfortunate incident, and I have said on many occasions that I made a mistake. Humans make mistakes, and I did one too. I have requested Lord Ganesh to forgive me if I make a mistake again. Mistakes happen,” he added.

Over the years, Harbhajan himself admitted that the incident is one of his biggest regrets, while Sreesanth has repeatedly said he put the episode behind him. The duo has moved past the controversy and share amicable relations. They even played together for India in the aftermath of the incident and were also a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. Post retirement, Harbhajan and Sreesanth have also shared the field in several veteran cricketers’ leagues.

Earlier, Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari had also slammed Lalit Modi for hurting the sentiments of her family all over again for cheap publicity and views.