The former Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, is expected to get a nomination from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) as their representative to the upcoming annual general body meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where they will elect five key office-bearers for the future. The veteran won’t be, however, the lone big name to attend the meeting, to be held on September 28.

Apart from Singh, the former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, has also been nominated by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The Indian board is also scheduled to aim for the fresh election for the upcoming Apex Council and the governing council members of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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One of the main points of the agenda will be the election and the induction of the following office Bearers of BCCI- the President, vice-president, secretary, joint-secretary, and Treasurer. The election of one representative of the general body in the council of the BCCI and two representatives of the General body in the governing council of the IPL will be on the cards.

Harbhajan Singh to get nomination for office-bearer post in BCCI during next AGM meeting

Ganguly took over as the president of the BCCI in 2019, while the former World Cup winner from the 1983 campaign, Roger Binny, held the post recently, after being elected unopposed in October 2022. The Indian cricket board’s decision makers reached out to several former players for the role of administration, but none of them showed any interest in the posts.

Harbhajan, who has been part of 103 Test matches for India to enjoy 417 wickets besides featuring in 236 ODIs to take 269 wickets and be part of the World Cup winning side in 2011, was a member of the Rajya Sabha and affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party and was appointed as the advisor of the PCA earlier. This will also be the first visit as the representative of the state board.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Cricket Association nominated Raghuram Bhatt as their representative, while Mumbai went with Sajay Naik. Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh went ahead with the nominations of Arun Dhumal and Rajeev Shukla, respectively.

The former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh was savagely trolled by his wife, Bollywood actress Geeta Basra, at an event by Society Achievers Magazine. The audience shared a good laugh when Basra explained this is because her husband forgets names, facts and basically all the other things that happen in daily life.

Basra said Harbhajan forgets a lot, from where he has kept or left his items to what his schedule is the next day. Interestingly, she revealed Harbhajan even calls their longtime staff member by different names, although she has worked with them for years.

She jokingly remarked, "Ye bahut bhulte hai. Bahut cheeze, naam bhulte hai, kahan cheeze rakhi hai woh bhulte hai, kal kya karna hai woh bhul jaate hai, his diary, his alarm clock. Ye humare staff ko, itne saal se humare sath kaam kar rahe hai, Pushpa ka naam kuch aur bula denge. Shukar hai mera naam inko yaad hai, nahi toh mujhe darr hai ke mera bhi naam bhool jayenge."

Harbhajan’s Witty Response

Not one to stay quiet, Harbhajan Singh quickly came up with a funny reply that added more laughter to the moment. He said that to avoid any such trouble at home, he simply calls Geeta Basra “madam.” "Isi liye madam kehta hoon. Ghar pe madam hi bulata hoon," he quipped, earning more chuckles from the crowd.

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Harbhajan and Geeta, who tied the knot on October 29, 2015, in Phagwara near Jalandhar, are proud parents of two children. Their daughter Hinaya was born in 2016, and their son Jovan arrived in 2021, completing their happy family.

The former Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, reckoned that the clash between India and Pakistan of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium should not happen. He also felt that they should not play any bilateral series against each other until the relations between the neighboring countries improve. 

Those two sides will meet on September 14, and this will be the first outing between them after the Operation Sindhoor, India’s retaliatory strikes on the terror groups in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. Harbhajan doesn’t support cricket or trade with the Green Brigade, besides respecting the government’s stance on this matter fully.

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“India-Pakistan matches always come into the limelight, but after Operation Sindhoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business. We were playing the World Championship of Legends, but we did not play that match against Pakistan. Everyone has their own way of thinking and understanding.” Harbhajan Singh expressed during a Society magazine event, as quoted by India Today.

Harbhajan Singh makes shocking statement on India and Pakistan’s bilateral relations

In India’s opening game against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side showed their dominance with a huge victory as they chased down 58 runs with nine wickets in hand and more than 15 overs to spare.

“I feel that until relations between the two countries improve, cricket and business should not take place either. But that is my thought. If the government says the match can happen, it should happen, but the relations between the two countries should be better.” Harbhajan Singh addressed.

“If there is any team that can beat the Indian team, it is the Indian team itself - it is such a strong side. Our cricket is at a different level. Even if Virat and Rohit are gone, the team is completely ready. Playing in Dubai is almost like playing at home. The role of the spinners will be huge, and I hope the team brings the cup back.” The former Indian star of the World Cup 2011-winning team concluded.

The former Indian spinner and the AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP, Harbhajan Singh, has revealed his decision to start a relief fund in the tough situations of Punjab, which has been hit by the flood. He shared an emotional message for the people of the state, revealing the account details where he asked everyone to contribute.

Harbhajan shared the message on his Instagram account, where the Indian spinner humbly requested everyone to come forward and show their support in some way. He also stated how it would be the vital time for everyone to stand by Punjab.

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“This is the time to stand with Punjab. Our brothers and sisters are in need, and it is our shared responsibility to support them. Together, we can rebuild, restore, and bring hope back to Punjab. I humbly request you all to come forward and lend your support in any way you can.” Harbhajan Singh expressed in the message on his Instagram video.

Watch: Harbhajan Singh begins relief fund for flood-hit Punjab

 He also painted the grim image from their last visit, where Singh reckoned that there was 10-15 feet of water, with people having lost their houses and cattle to the flood. And after all of these, the resources will be limited as Harbhajan agreed. But he felt that everyone would be strong enough to battle it.

 

 

 

 

 

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“It's a very sad situation for all of us living in Punjab, and for the whole nation. It's extremely painful to see the villages being thrashed. There's a lot of water. The least you can do is just go out there and try to be a helping hand. It is a very, very tough situation, a very difficult one, but Punjab is strong. We'll come out of it like we have always.” The World Cup-winning member of the Indian side highlighted.

A lot of organizers, especially the private ones and the Sikh foundations, have been trying to help those who are impacted. The former player addressed that he and his friends would be trying their best to contribute to the flood rescue by arranging boards. “The Punjab government has been doing its work. Now, the Army has also been deployed to rescue people.” He shed light.

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has voiced his concern over the severe floods that have recently hit Punjab, leaving a trail of destruction across several districts.

Reports suggest the disaster has severely affected over 2.56 lakh individuals across different regions. The floods have caused widespread displacement, forcing many families to leave their homes in search of safety while struggling with daily essentials.

Apart from the human suffering, the disaster has also damaged property, farmlands, and livestock, further worsening the crisis for those dependent on agriculture. Gill’s message highlights the gravity of the situation and brings much-needed attention to the plight of people in his home state, urging for support and relief measures.

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Shubman Gill Voices Concern Over floods in Punjab:

Shubman Gill used social media platform X to voice his emotions regarding Punjab’s devastating flood crisis. The Indian Test skipper shared his concern for those suffering in his home state, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, relief, and collective efforts to support affected communities.

Shubman Gill tweeted, "Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods. Punjab will always be stronger than any adversity, and we'll rise up from this. My prayers are with all affected families. Standing strong with my people.”

Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods. Punjab will always be stronger than any adversity, and we'll rise up from this. My prayers are with all affected families. Standing strong with my people 🙏

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) September 2, 2025

Harbhajan Singh Extended His Support to Flood-Hit Regions:

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh extended his support to flood-hit regions by contributing 10 boats to assist with ongoing rescue missions. His gesture aims to aid relief workers in reaching stranded families and providing timely assistance to those affected by the devastating situation across several districts of Punjab.

Harbhajan Singh said, "I have been to affected areas myself. It's a difficult time for all of our people in Punjab. We are helping each other. I thank all the Jathebadhis and different organisations that are out there helping to rescue people.”

He further said, “ I have requested PM Modi to help us in this difficult time. We are the food bowls of India. Requesting more people to come forward to help. Punjab stand with everyone's problem now. Show your support to Punjab and the people of Punjab.”

State Government Gives their Best to Support Punjab People:

The Punjab government has established 129 relief camps, sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur hosts the largest number with 3,987 residents, followed by Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur. Overall, 1,044 villages have been affected by the floods. Gurdaspur tops the list with 321 impacted villages, while Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, and Pathankot report 115, 94, 88, and 82 villages respectively.

Gurdaspur has faced the worst impact of the floods, with nearly 1.45 lakh people affected. Amritsar recorded about 35,000 affected residents, whereas Ferozepur and Fazilka reported 24,015 and 21,562 impacted, underscoring the severe devastation spread across multiple districts in Punjab.

Several agencies have been pressed into service for relief and rescue efforts. The National Disaster Response Force dispatched 20 teams, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force contributed 10 columns, with an additional eight kept on standby for emergencies. Over 35 helicopters, 114 boats, and one state helicopter are assisting operations, alongside the Border Security Force in border areas.

The former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Lalit Modi, has again exposed the old wounds of the 2008 season as he released the unseen footage of Harbhajan Singh slapping the former Indian pacer, S Sreesanth, during the tournament. Sreesanth’s wife slammed Modi and the former Australian captain, Michael Clarke, for releasing the video for his personal gain.

During the recent interaction on Instant Bollywood when he attended the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Harbhajan Singh reacted to the video as he reckoned that there might be a selfish motive behind leaking the 17-year-old video, which has again sparked controversy.

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“The way the video has been leaked is wrong. It shouldn't have happened. They might have a selfish motive behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago, people have forgotten, and they are reminding people about it. I feel bad about whatever happened. We were playing, and everyone had things going on in their mind. Mistakes happened, and we do feel ashamed about it.” Harbhajan Singh expressed.

Watch: Harbhajan Singh reacts to Lalit Modi leaking old 'slap gate' video from IPL 2008

Harbhajan acknowledged the fact that the video has gone but asked for forgiveness as he claimed that Humans make mistakes and the Punjab-born would pray for forgiveness to Lord Ganesh.

“Yes, the video has gone viral. It was an unfortunate incident, and I have said on many occasions that I made a mistake. Humans make mistakes, and I did one too. I have requested Lord Ganesh to forgive me if I make a mistake again. Mistakes happen.” The 2011 World Cup-winner shed light.

“One thing I'd want to change in my life is the 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 about was that even years after that incident, I have been apologizing every opportunity or stage I get. It was a mistake.” Harbhajan Singh shed light on the incident during a old interaction with Ravichandran Ashwin. 

The former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Lalit Modi, has created another controversy over the 2008 incident of the tournament when he released the video of Harbhajan Singh slapping S Sreesanth. Sreesanth’s wife slammed Modi for bringing back the closed chapter for his personal game.

Modi claimed that he had no idea of the pacer’s wife getting angry, as he felt that he always loved to speak the truth. He also addressed that he would have revealed the story earlier had anyone asked him, and when Michael Clarke did, he made the release of the video.

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“I don’t know why she (Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwar) is getting angry. I was asked a question, and I shared the truth. I can’t do anything about that. I am known to speak the truth. Sree was the victim, and that’s exactly what I said. No one had asked me this question earlier, so when Clarke quipped, I responded.” Modi expressed during a recent interaction on IANS.

Lalit Modi replies to S Sreesanth’s wife on slap moment from IPL 2008

After the video was made public, Sreesanth’s wife had said that both Sreesanth and Harbajan had moved on from the incident, and there was no requirement to release the video. She shed light that it was not the players but their families who were also hurt by the release of the video.

“Shame on you, Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your own cheap publicity and views. Both @sreesanthnair36 and Harbhajan have long moved on; they are fathers now with school-going children, and yet you try to throw them back into an old wound. Absolutely disgusting, heartless, and inhuman.” S Sreesanth’s wife addressed.

“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-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.” She shed light.

Another chapter of controversy from the infamous ‘slap gate’ incident from the opening season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 broke out, which saw unseen footage of the ugly fight between two former Indian players, S Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh, being shared around the internet from the game between the Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians.

Bhuvaneshwari Sreesanth, the wife of the former Indian pacer, has publicly shown her frustration over the incident and lambasted the former IPL chairman, Lalit Modi, and the former Australian captain, Michael Clarke. During a recent clip from Beyong23 Cricket Podcast, they brought up the existence of the security camera footage of the altercation.

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“Shame on you, Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your own cheap publicity and views. Both @sreesanthnair36 and Harbhajan have long moved on; they are fathers now with school-going children, and yet you try to throw them back into an old wound. Absolutely disgusting, heartless, and inhuman.”  Bhuvaneswari wrote on her Instagram story.

Sreesanth’s wife accuses Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke of bringing up old IPL memories

In the follow-up story, she also articulated her distress, stating that the pacer has rebuilt his life with grace after all the hard work. She also expressed that the families are being forced to go through this trauma that has been buried decades ago.

Instagram story of Sreesanth's wife. ✅ pic.twitter.com/hWKj2ai3Ob

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2025

“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-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.”

“@sreesanthnair36 has rebuilt his life with dignity and grace after every hardship he faced. As his wife and as the mother of his children, it is deeply painful for our family to see this resurface after 18 long years. This doesn’t just hurt the players; it scars their innocent children who now have to face questions and shame for no fault of theirs.” Bhuvneshwar Sreesanth added.

Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan have engaged themselves in the commentary panel, as they also shared the same box during the following seasons of the league. 

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.”

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners, has officially retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 mini-auction. Making his debut in 2009, Ashwin carved a remarkable career in the tournament, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the most reliable bowlers across franchises.

Harbhajan Singh, another legendary off-spinner for India, also finds a place among the top wicket-takers in IPL history, standing 13th on the list. Widely regarded as one of the finest spinners the country has produced, Harbhajan’s skill and control helped him earn immense respect during his IPL and international career.

While both spinners operated with similar foundations, their styles showed subtle differences. Ashwin often experimented with variations to stay ahead of batters, whereas Harbhajan relied more on traditional off-spin, making both unique in their own right.

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Comparing Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh’s IPL Records:

With that in mind, it’s interesting to draw a comparison between R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh’s records after playing 163 IPL matches. Both legendary off-spinners left a lasting mark on the league, though their approaches and wicket-taking abilities highlight contrasting yet impactful bowling journeys.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: Complete Statistical Comparison:

Neither Ashwin nor Harbhajan managed a standout season with 20+ wickets, yet both remained reliable choices for their franchises. As frontline off-spinners, they played a key role in containing runs during the middle overs, creating pressure, and setting the stage for strike bowlers. Their ability to pick timely wickets further enhanced their value.

When comparing their records after 163 matches, the numbers reveal very little difference. Harbhajan concluded his IPL journey at that milestone, whereas Ashwin was still active and competing midway through the 2021 season. This makes their statistical comparison even more compelling for cricket fans.

Both bowlers recorded nearly identical wicket counts and economy rates over their IPL journeys. Harbhajan Singh held a narrow lead in terms of wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin initially maintained a slight edge with his tighter economy. Their overall numbers reflected remarkable consistency and effectiveness in the tournament.

However, Ashwin’s figures took a hit in his later years as aggressive modern-day batters targeted him more often. His struggles during the IPL 2025 season further impacted his record, eventually pushing his career economy rate above Harbhajan’s. By the end, Ashwin’s economy stood at 7.20, slightly higher than his counterpart.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: CSK Career Statistics:

Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh share the distinction of donning the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey and celebrating title victories with the team. However, they never played together for the franchise, with Ashwin departing after 2015 and returning a decade later in 2025, while Harbhajan featured during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Ashwin spent the early years of his IPL career at CSK, learning under the leadership of MS Dhoni and delivering crucial performances that established him as a reliable bowler. His time with the “Men in Yellow” shaped much of his journey in the league.

Harbhajan, meanwhile, joined CSK after their comeback from suspension, adding experience and depth. Though their numbers differ significantly, both left a lasting impact.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: Wickets Contributing to Team Victories:

Spinners often play a decisive role in T20 cricket, with their biggest impact coming through wickets. While some spinners focus more on restricting runs rather than attacking for wickets, the fast-paced nature of the format often forces batters into mistakes, helping even defensive bowlers create breakthroughs.

Both Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin were crucial in their teams’ victories over the years. Harbhajan’s brilliant spell in the 2013 IPL Final for Mumbai Indians and Ashwin’s standout bowling in CSK’s 2011 title win are prime examples of how both men delivered when it mattered most for their franchises.

Harbhajan Singh featured in 95 victories during his IPL career, which accounted for 58.2 percent of his total matches. In those wins, he proved highly effective with the ball, claiming 104 wickets at an impressive average of 21.37 while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 6.70.

Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, collected 90 wickets in his first 163 IPL games where his side ended victorious. By the close of his career, he improved those numbers to 117 wickets in 119 wins, averaging 25.02 with the ball and keeping his economy rate steady at 6.69.