One of the most heated and controversial moments in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), long hidden from public view, has finally emerged. Eighteen years after the incident that came to be known as “Slapgate,” former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has released video evidence of the on-field clash between Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth from the inaugural IPL season in 2008.

The never-before-seen footage was made public during Modi’s appearance on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast hosted by former Australian captain Michael Clarke. In the clip, Harbhajan is seen delivering a backhand slap to Sreesanth during the post-match handshake after Mumbai Indians’ heavy defeat to Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on April 25, 2008.

Modi explained that the television broadcast cameras were already turned off when the confrontation occurred, and only one of his private security cameras caught the moment.

“Bhajji is a very dear friend of mine. I love him. It happened on the field, and I was there. It was Bhajji, and it was Sreesanth. The game was over, and the cameras were shut off. Only one of my security cameras was on. As the team finished playing, the players were high-fiving and shaking hands with each other. When it came to Sreesanth and Bhajji. Harbhajan just said to him, ‘Come here,’ and gave him a backhander,” Modi said.

Sreesanth in Tears After Harbhajan Slap

The footage shows a stunned and emotional Sreesanth breaking into tears after being slapped. As he attempts to retaliate, he is restrained by fellow cricketers, including Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped in to calm the situation. Irfan Pathan is also seen consoling the fast bowler while Harbhajan gestures aggressively again before walking away.

What had remained an unverified incident until now was once nearly buried forever. Modi admitted that he had kept the clip private for nearly two decades and only decided to release it now, stating, “I hadn’t put it out for so long. We have 18 years behind us for this.”

The incident occurred during a turbulent period for Harbhajan, who had recently been involved in the Monkeygate controversy in Australia. The IPL altercation further dented his image and resulted in a significant punishment, an 11-match ban from the remainder of the season and a five-match suspension from ODIs by the BCCI.

Behind the scenes, there were calls for harsher consequences. Modi revealed that while some board members pushed for a lifetime ban, he opted for a more measured response.

‘I Apologised 200 Times’: Harbhajan on Slapgate Incident

“I sat them both down, and I had to penalise Bhajji. He got eight games suspension and some people were gunning for a lifetime suspension,” Modi told Clarke.

Over time, Harbhajan has openly acknowledged his mistake and repeatedly apologized for the incident. Speaking on various platforms, including a candid chat with R Ashwin, the former spinner has expressed deep remorse.

“One thing I’d want to change in my life is that incident with Sreesanth. I want to remove that incident from my career. That is the incident I would change from my list. What transpired was wrong and I shouldn’t have done what I did. I apologised 200 times,” Harbhajan said.

He also shared a particularly emotional experience involving Sreesanth’s young daughter, which left a lasting impact on him.

Years Later, Harbhajan Still Haunted by Slapgate Guilt

“What hurt me even after many years was when I met his daughter and I was talking to her with a lot of love and she said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.’ My heart was shattered and I was on the verge of tears. I was asking myself what is the impression I’ve left on her? She must be thinking of me in a poor light, right? She sees me as the guy who hit her father. I felt so bad. I still apologise to his daughter that I can’t do anything.”

Interestingly, the relationship between the two players has evolved significantly since that night. They not only played together for India afterward—including in the triumphant 2011 World Cup campaign but have also shared commentary responsibilities post-retirement.

Sreesanth, speaking in 2023, brushed aside the controversy, insisting the incident had been overblown by the media.

“We have always been friends. That was just a misunderstanding and the media made a big noise out of it. I will just say that Bhajji pa has supported me from the beginning in every way, including recently with commentary tips,” Sreesanth said.

Slapgate Clip Brings IPL’s Past Back Into Focus

Although the confrontation is now almost two decades old, the release of the footage has reignited discussion around discipline and decorum in sports. While the league has grown into a multi-billion-dollar global event, this resurfaced video serves as a stark reminder of IPL’s rocky beginnings.

As Harbhajan himself reflected during his chat with Ashwin, “Yes, in that game we were opponents. But it shouldn’t have gone to that level where we behave in such a manner. So yeah, that was my fault and the only fault of his was that he provoked me, but that’s okay actually. However, what I did was not okay. I said, ‘Sorry’.”