Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth Slapgate Reopens, India Pacer Blocks Legend

Harbhajan Singh Sreesanth Slapgate. Image Credits: X

The infamous 2008 IPL “Slapgate” controversy has resurfaced, bringing former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth back into the spotlight. What once seemed like a closed chapter has now reopened with fresh accusations and strong emotions.

Sreesanth has publicly criticized Harbhajan Singh, accusing him of earning money from the old controversy through a recent advertisement. The pacer believes the incident, which once hurt him deeply, should not have been turned into commercial content for entertainment.

The renewed tension comes nearly two decades after the original IPL incident, reminding fans of one of the league’s earliest controversies. Despite past attempts to make things better, the relationship between the two former teammates now appears to have broken down again.

Advertisement Sparks Fresh Controversy in Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth Slapgate

Sreesanth, in a recent interview with Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news paper, revealed that a recent advertisement featuring Harbhajan Singh, which referenced the 2008 slap incident, didn't go down well with him.

"I have never spoken about Bhajji in any interview. This is going to be the first time. Until recently there were no problems, but he made an ad about it once again. He made around Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore off it,” Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth further said that Harbhajan himself asked him to promote the advertisement, but he refused, stressing that while he believes in forgiveness, he never forgets wrongdoing. He added that forgetting invites repeated mistakes, calling Harbhajan a clear example of that pattern.

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What Was the Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth 2008 Slapgate incident?

The Slapgate controversy is one of the biggest IPL controversies dates back to the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. After a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth during the post-match handshake, shocking players and viewers alike.

The incident quickly became one of the first major viral moments in IPL history. Images of Sreesanth in tears can be found all over the internet even today, sparking outrage and debate across India till date.

As a result, Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the IPL 2008 season and lost his match fees as well. The punishment was seen as a strong message from the league, which was still in its early days and building its global reputation.

Sreesanth Blocks Harbhajan Singh on Instagram

Sreesanth made it clear that he no longer shares any relationship with Harbhajan Singh. He said he once considered him like a brother, but recent actions have changed his perception completely and permanently.

The pacer even confirmed that he has blocked Harbhajan Singh on Instagram, signaling a complete breakdown of communication. He suggested that public gestures of friendship or kindness by Harbhajan do not match his personal experience over the years.

While Sreesanth ended his remarks by wishing Harbhajan and his family well, the message was clear, any chance of making things better now seems unlikely. The Slapgate saga, it appears, continues to put a long shadow over the two 2011 World Cup winners.

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