Recalling Slapgate controversy: What happened before and after the slap that was heard around cricket world

In the video released by Modi it was revealed that 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. Sreesanth would then try to charge at Harnhajan while Bhajji also refused to back down. The situation was finally calmed down as other players intervened.

Watch the unseen footage here:

One of the wildest moments in IPL history, Unseen footage of the Bhajji–Sreesanth slapgate that never been aired#IPL pic.twitter.com/E9Ux8bodOW

— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) August 29, 2025

The aftermath

The incident led to Harbhajan getting a ban for 11 matches for the remainder of that IPL season. He was also suspended by the BCCI for 5 ODIs. A life ban for a repeat offence was also threatened while Sreesanth was also rebuked by the BCCI and asked to mend his ways. Modi also said recently Harbhajan was in danger of facing a lifetime ban if some people had their ways but ultimately he was suspended.

This was the same year when Harbhajan was involved in the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ controversy as well where he was initially banned for three Tests for allegedly using a racist term to Andrew Symonds. However, his punishment was later reduced to just a fine after appeal.

Episode with Sreesanth’s daughter

In a recent chat with Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan opened about the incident, saying that he regretted his actions on that day. He also revealed a conversation with Sreesanth’s daughter who refused to talk to him because he had hit her father.

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi revealed sensational footage of Harbhajan Singh slapping S Sreesanth during the IPL 2008 match. (X/BCCI)

“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,” he said.

“I keep telling her, ‘but if there’s anything I can do to make you feel better and make you think I’m not that kind of person, please tell me’. I wish when she grows up, she doesn’t see me in the same light. And think her uncle will always be with her and extend any kind of support he can. That’s why I want to remove that chapter.”