Sreesanth-Harbhajan Slapgate Video Goes Viral After 18 Years

A long-buried moment from the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has resurfaced, sending shockwaves through the cricket world. An unseen video of a 2008 incident, where Harbhajan Singh allegedly slapped S. Sreesanth during a post-match handshake, has gone viral, reigniting discussions about one of the most controversial episodes in IPL history. Released by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the footage has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans and analysts revisiting the infamous “Slapgate” incident that occurred after a match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. This article explores the details of the incident, the newly surfaced video, and its impact on the cricketing community.

The 2008 IPL Slapgate Incident

The incident took place on April 25, 2008, during the first season of the IPL at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The match saw Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, secure a convincing 66-run victory over Mumbai Indians, led by Harbhajan Singh in the absence of regular captain Sachin Tendulkar. Sreesanth, a fiery fast bowler for Punjab Kings, was known for his animated on-field demeanor, which reportedly irked Harbhajan during the game. As players from both teams engaged in the customary post-match handshake, Harbhajan allegedly delivered a backhand slap to Sreesanth, leaving the latter visibly shaken.

The immediate aftermath was captured on live television, showing Sreesanth in tears, consoled by teammates and Punjab Kings owner Preity Zinta. The incident, dubbed “Slapgate,” became a defining moment of the IPL’s early years, drawing widespread condemnation and sparking debates about sportsmanship and player conduct. The lack of clear footage at the time fueled speculation, with various narratives circulating about what exactly transpired between the two players.

Lalit Modi’s Revelation and Video Release

For 18 years, the absence of definitive video evidence left room for speculation about the Slapgate incident. However, on August 29, 2025, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi revealed during an episode of Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast that he possessed unseen footage captured by a security camera. Modi claimed that while match cameras were switched off after the game, his security camera recorded the altercation, providing a clear view of Harbhajan striking Sreesanth. He stated his intent to release the video to “reveal the truth” and put an end to years of rumors.

The released footage, now widely circulated on social media, shows Harbhajan delivering a backhand slap to Sreesanth during the handshake. Sreesanth, visibly stunned, appears to react before teammates, including Punjab captain Mahela Jayawardene and all-rounder Irfan Pathan, intervene to de-escalate the situation. The video has reignited interest in the incident, with fans expressing shock and curiosity about the events that unfolded nearly two decades ago.

Disciplinary Actions and Consequences

The Slapgate incident had immediate and severe repercussions for Harbhajan Singh. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched an investigation, appointing a disciplinary committee led by match referee Farokh Engineer. Harbhajan was found guilty of a Level 4.2 offense under the IPL Code of Conduct, resulting in an 11-match ban for the remainder of the 2008 IPL season. Additionally, he forfeited his entire season’s salary, estimated at Rs. 3 crore, and faced a five-match suspension from One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

The BCCI’s tough stance was intended to set a precedent for player conduct in the fledgling IPL. Mumbai Indians coach Lalchand Rajput was also fined 50% of his match fee for failing to control his team. Sreesanth, while not formally punished, received a warning from the BCCI to mend his on-field behavior, as his provocative antics were believed to have contributed to the altercation. The incident remains one of the darkest chapters in IPL history, highlighting the intense emotions and rivalries in the high-stakes tournament.

Harbhajan and Sreesanth’s Reconciliation

Over the years, both Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth have publicly addressed the Slapgate incident, expressing regret and emphasizing their reconciliation. Harbhajan has repeatedly apologized, describing the incident as one of the biggest regrets of his career. In a 2019 interview, he stated, “If I could go back and rectify something in my life, I would correct that. It was a mistake, and I am sorry about it.” More recently, in a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan recounted a poignant moment when Sreesanth’s daughter refused to speak to him, saying, “You hit my father,” highlighting the lasting emotional impact of the incident.

Sreesanth, on his part, has downplayed the incident in recent years, emphasizing his cordial relationship with Harbhajan. In a 2023 podcast with Padmajeet Sehrawat, he noted that Harbhajan had supported him in various ways, including offering commentary tips. Sreesanth described the incident as a “misunderstanding” amplified by media attention, underscoring that both players have moved on and maintained a professional rapport as commentators and pundits.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The release of the Slapgate video has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with fans and cricket enthusiasts debating its implications. Some have praised Lalit Modi for bringing clarity to an incident shrouded in speculation, while others argue that releasing the footage after 18 years was unnecessary and could reopen old wounds. Social media posts have described the video as “one of the wildest moments in IPL history,” with hashtags like #Slapgate and #HarbhajanSingh trending across platforms.

The viral nature of the video has also drawn criticism, with some fans and Sreesanth’s wife questioning the ethics of revisiting a resolved personal conflict. Despite the controversy, the footage has sparked nostalgia for the IPL’s early years, when the league was still finding its footing and such incidents highlighted its raw, competitive spirit.

Impact on IPL’s Legacy

The Slapgate incident remains a pivotal moment in the IPL’s history, underscoring the challenges of managing player conduct in a high-pressure, globally watched tournament. The IPL’s inaugural season was marked by intense rivalries and emotional outbursts, which helped establish its reputation as a thrilling, unpredictable league. However, incidents like Slapgate also prompted the BCCI to strengthen its code of conduct and disciplinary measures, ensuring better oversight in subsequent seasons.

The resurfacing of the video serves as a reminder of the IPL’s evolution over the past 18 years. From a nascent league grappling with controversies to a global cricketing juggernaut, the IPL has grown significantly, with stricter regulations and a focus on professionalism. The Slapgate incident, while a blemish, also highlights the passion and intensity that make the IPL a unique spectacle in world cricket.

What’s Next for Sreesanth and Harbhajan?

Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan have retired from professional cricket and transitioned into roles as commentators and pundits. Their contributions to Indian cricket, including their roles in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, remain significant. The resurfacing of the Slapgate video is unlikely to affect their professional trajectories, given their public reconciliation and focus on new endeavors.

However, the viral video has reignited discussions about sportsmanship, player behavior, and the role of social media in amplifying past controversies. As the IPL continues to grow, such incidents serve as a cautionary tale for current and future players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism in the high-stakes world of T20 cricket.