For almost two decades, the controversial IPL slapgate incident between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth stayed unresolved. The actual video footage was kept away from the public eye, leaving fans with only fragments of information.

The incident took place during the inaugural IPL season when Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) defeated Mumbai Indians. It was known Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, but reasons remained unclear. To add to the drama, broadcasters had switched to commercials, and by the time live coverage resumed, viewers saw Sreesanth in tears, leaving the cricketing world stunned.

These were Indian teammates clashing on a global stage, making the controversy even bigger. Over the years, however, both cricketers have moved past the episode. Harbhajan and Sreesanth eventually reconciled, leaving behind the bitterness and rebuilding a friendship that once seemed impossible.

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The Infamous IPL “slapgate” Incident:

The slapgate saga marked the IPL’s first major on-field controversy, shaping the league’s reputation for dramatic flashpoints. Tensions rose when Sreesanth, after Punjab’s emphatic 66-run victory, approached Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh with a “hard luck” comment, sparking a reaction that remains unforgettable in tournament history.

Earlier in the match, Sreesanth had dismissed Shaun Pollock and exchanged words with Robin Uthappa, who was leading MI’s chase. These actions reportedly upset the Mumbai camp, and tensions spilled over after the game. Harbhajan eventually lost his cool and slapped his younger teammate.

The incident still feels uncomfortable to watch even today. In the handshake line, Harbhajan shockingly slapped Sreesanth with a backhand, leaving spectators completely stunned. The fact that an experienced India cricketer got physical with his national teammate shocked players and fans alike.

Once Sreesanth understood what had happened, he reacted instantly and charged toward Harbhajan, nearly escalating the situation into a fight. Fortunately, Irfan Pathan and Mahela Jayawardene stepped in quickly, restraining the pacer and preventing matters from spiraling further. Pathan also confronted Harbhajan, but he appeared in no mood to calm down, even gesturing outside the ground as if daring for the confrontation to continue.

Despite Harbhajan’s dressing room apology, Sreesanth’s tearful moment became an iconic IPL image. Punjab captain Yuvraj Singh, a close friend, condemned the act, and the BCCI imposed a season-long suspension on Harbhajan.

Lalit Modi Opens up About the Incident:

After 17 years, the long-awaited clip of the infamous IPL slapgate surfaced when IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi revealed it during Michael Clarke's ‘Beyond23’ podcast. The release reignited memories of the shocking incident, which had once shaken the tournament and left fans debating what truly transpired between Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth during that heated clash.

Lalit Modi said, “ I'll tell you what happened. I will give you the video. I have kept it back. 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.”

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

He added, “ 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-fiv5'ing' 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.”

Harbhajan Singh Regrets for His Action:

Harbhajan Singh recently reflected on the infamous slapgate controversy with Sreesanth, admitting it is the biggest regret of his career. He confessed that, if possible, he would erase that incident, describing it as an unnecessary and avoidable mistake during his cricketing journey.

He said, “ 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. What I felt so bad was even years after that incident, I have been apologising every opportunity or stage I get. It was a mistake.”

He further said, “ 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.”

He added, “ 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.”