It has been 17 years since the slapgate incident occurred in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Nearly two decades later, the most controversial episode once again became a hot topic of discussion.
Lalit Modi, the former IPL commissioner, released rare footage that showcased the off-spinner Harbhajan Singh slapping the medium pacer S Sreesanth in the first edition of IPL.
Meanwhile, Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari took to her Instagram story and backlashed at Lalit Modi for releasing the unseen video.
For the casual reader, let’s begin from scratch to understand what the slapgate controversy is about and why Bhuvenshwari accused Lalit and former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke.
About the Slapgate Incident
Back in 2008, Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth during a post-match handshake, where the Mumbai Indians (MI) lost to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 66 runs at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.
As per the reports, Sreesanth’s aggressive on-field behavior towards the MI batters after their dismissal prompted Harbhajan towards the infamous slap incident. Also, the spin bowler was disappointed over Mumbai’s poor start to the season under his captaincy.
Notably, the slapgate incident occurred in the same year that Harbhajan was involved in a scandal called “Monkeygate” with the former Australian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. These two big mistakes made him one of the most discussed and controversial cricketers of that time.
Subsequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) banned Harbhajan for 11 IPL matches and 5 ODIs. Also, the MI skipper at that time received a warning of a potential lifetime ban for repeated offenses.
The Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle claimed the footage was kept private to protect the IPL’s brand and reputation.
Why Bhuvneshwari Kumari Criticized Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke?
After Lalit Modi released the confidential video, it was the former Australian captain Michael Clarke who made the footage viral while hosting a podcast.
The broadcasters stopped recording the incident after the completion of the match between the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab (currently known as the Punjab Kings). But, Modi later revealed that he recorded the entire incident using his own camera.
As the video resurfaced on social media after several years, Bhuvneshwari Kumari criticized Modi and Clarke, saying that they have reopened the wounds just for views and publicity. Also, she opposed the move with powerful words, calling it a “disgusting”, “inhuman”, and “heartless approach”.
Here is what Sreesant’s wife posted on her Instagram story:
“See! It has been a long ago since that incident happened. Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan are now living healthy and happy lives with their families. After moving on from that incident, and now dragging it means no purpose other than to create just sensation,” Bhuvneshwari Kumari explained.
Sreesanth and Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket in 2021, have remained silent about this issue. The duo of former Indian bowlers has made peace with each other and has appeared together in several cricket events, thereby proving to the world that they have moved on from that slapgate incident.
Lalit Modi’s Response to Bhuvenshwari Kumari’s Comments
Following the increasing criticism, Lalit Modi defended his actions, saying that he reopened the old controversy only to respond to the direct question on the podcast.
The 61-year-old former IPL commissioner gave clarity that he was forced to reveal the truth when asked and didn’t mean to defame anyone:
“No! I don’t know why she was angry at me. When I was asked, I just had to share the truth. That’s it. Beyond that, I wasn’t able to do anything. He (Sreesanth) was the victim, and that’s what I had to convey. Beyond that, there were no questions asked. So, when Clarke remarked, I responded to his question,” Lalit Modi clarified.
Modi wanted to explain that he never tried to diminish Harbhajan Singh’s role in the slapgate controversy and admitted the mistake that the spin bowler committed in 2008.
Overall Opinion
Bhuvneshwari Kumari, who married Sreesanth in 2013, continues to be a pillar of support for her husband’s strength despite the cricket world turning against him for his involvement in the IPL spot fixing scandal.
The unexpected recall of the slapgate incident fueled heated arguments in the cricket world, pointing out the lack of sportsmanship and players’ on-field behavior during the early years of IPL.
While the rich-cash league has garnered millions of fans globally since the first season, the past controversies, like the slapgate incident, remind fans of the tough and dramatic moments that helped mold the history.
Despite several fans claiming that the video reopened the old wound, few others view it as a raw and honest examination of what exactly happened.
However, it remains uncertain whether the video might clear up the truth or cause additional confusion. But one thing is sure that the slapgate incident continues to grab the headlines even after the completion of 18 IPL seasons.