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.”

IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

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5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

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 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

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Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Cricket often hailed as a gentleman’s game embodies grace, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. However, beneath its polished exterior lies a competitive arena where emotions can run high and tempers can flare. In this article, we delve into some notorious instances where cricketers lost their cool on the field, defying the traditional norms of the sport. From heated altercations to regrettable outbursts, these episodes provide a glimpse into the intense emotions that accompany high-stakes matches.

IPL also has been in the spotlight a number of times for the exact same behavior by players. Players have lost their cool and have got into arguments and send offs which have resulted in even their match fees being deducted.

Sourav Ganguly Vs Shane Warne

The clash between Sourav Ganguly and Shane Warne in the inaugural IPL season epitomized the intensity of competition and the clash of egos on the cricket field. A contentious decision fueled tensions, leading to verbal exchanges and subsequent disciplinary actions.

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KKR was set a target of 197 courtesy of attacking half-centuries from RR’s Swapnil Asnodkar and Yusuf Pathan. Disciplined bowling by the Rajasthan quicks left the Knight Riders struggling at 106/3 in the 13th over. With the required run-rate creeping up, Ganguly and David Hussey (who were in the middle) began to go for the big hits.

In the last ball of the 13th over, Ganguly pulled a shorter one from Pathan and hit it towards the deep mid-wicket region where Graeme Smith ran in and took a low catch.

As the Rajasthan camp erupted in celebrations, Ganguly remained unmoved and requested onfield umpire GA Pratapkumar to refer to it to the TV umpire Asad Rauf. Replays proved to be inconclusive and Ganguly was given the benefit of doubt by the third umpire. This enraged Warne as he charged at Ganguly for not abiding by the spirit of the game.

“Justice will get you, Sourav. Justice will,” the stump microphone picked Warne words to Ganguly when the latter reached the non-strikers end in the next over bowled by Warne. Sourav Ganguly and Shane Warne have been fined 10% of their match fees, while Pratap Kumar, the on-field umpire, has been suspended for a game.

Ganguly and Warne’s confrontation underscored the fine balance between competitiveness and sportsmanship, serving as a reminder of the emotions that simmer beneath the surface in professional cricket.

Sreesanth Vs Harbhajan Singh: The Slapgate Controversy

In a dramatic turn of events during an IPL match in 2008, Harbhajan Singh’s frustration boiled over, leading to an altercation with Sreesanth, his teammate turned adversary. The incident escalated quickly, with Harbhajan resorting to physical aggression, leaving a stain on the spirit of the game.

The fallout from the infamous ‘Slapgate’ incident reverberated across the cricketing community, prompting a disciplinary inquiry by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and subsequent sanctions against Harbhajan Singh.

The incident happened during an 2008 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. Sreesanth was caught by the TV cameras, where he was seen crying just before the post-match presentation. After the incident Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched an investigation and as a result Harbhajan was banned for 5 ODIs.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli hurled abuses at each other during IPL 2013

The heated exchange between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli during the IPL 2013 remains etched in cricketing lore. Stemming from a long-standing rivalry, this incident showcased a rare display of aggression between former teammates and opponents.

During a league match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, tensions escalated when Kohli was caught off Lakshmipathy Balaji. What ensued was a verbal spat between Gambhir and Kohli, culminating in a charged confrontation that required intervention to defuse.

This incident happened during the 10th over of RCB innings after Kohli was caught off Lakshmipathy Balaji for 35. KKR’s Rajat Bhatia came in between and tried calming Gambhir down. This was pretty surprising since Gambhir and Kohli had been Delhi teammates and had also shared the space in the Indian dressing room.

Rishabh Pant calls his players back in IPL 2022

In the high-octane world of cricket, emotions often run high, especially when matches hang in the balance.

On the 22nd of April, during a clash between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Rishabh Pant, the captain of Delhi Capitals, made headlines with a bold and unprecedented move that shook the cricketing community.

As the match entered its final overs, tension gripped both teams. The Delhi Capitals, in pursuit of a challenging target, found themselves in a precarious position, needing 36 runs off the final six balls. The situation escalated when the Capitals’ batsman, Rovman Powell, managed to hit three consecutive sixes off the first three balls of the over. However, the third delivery, a seemingly waist-high no-ball, sparked controversy.

The uproar began when Powell questioned the umpire regarding the legality of the delivery, expecting a review by the third umpire. To the dismay of the Capitals, the on-field umpire stood firm on the decision, refusing to refer it for further adjudication. Frustrated by the lack of recourse, Rishabh Pant took matters into his own hands.

In a remarkable display of solidarity and protest, Pant signaled for his players to retreat from the field, effectively withdrawing DC from the game. This unprecedented move sent shockwaves through the stadium and reverberated across the cricketing world.

Despite the defiance shown by Powell and Kuldeep Yadav, who chose to remain on the field, the Capitals fell short in their pursuit, losing the match by a margin of 15 runs.

MS Dhoni vs Rajasthan Royals And Umpires

Known for his composure under pressure, MS Dhoni’s uncharacteristic outburst during a match against Rajasthan Royals in 2019 shocked fans and pundits alike. Dhoni’s vehement protest against an umpiring decision sparked controversy and resulted in punitive measures.

It was off the fourth ball of the innings, a waist high full toss bowled by Ben Stokes to Mitchell Santner. Initially, it looked as if umpire was about to signal no-ball only to decide otherwise.

Dhoni was seen shouting ‘No ball’ from the dug-out as Ravindra Jadeja was seen arguing with the umpire. To everyone’s horror, an angry Dhoni entered the field of play, which certainly isn’t allowed as per rule and took the umpire head-on.

He was seen angrily gesturing at the umpire before leg umpire Chris Gaffaney asked Dhoni to leave the field of play. Dhoni was subsequently fined 50 percent of his match fees for his conduct.

Dhoni’s actions incurred a fine and ignited debates over player conduct and respect for match officials, highlighting the thin line between passion and petulance on the cricket field.