Harbhajan Singh Suspects Lalit Modi Of 'Selfish Motive' Behind IPL 2008 Slapgate Footage Release (WATCH)

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh broke his silence over the viral footage of the slapgate incident from the IPL 2008, involving him and S Sreesanth, which was released by the former league's chairman and commissioner, Lalit Modi. The IPL 2008 slapgate incident sparked controversy in Indian cricket, leading to widespread debates on player conduct and the spirit of the game.

The actual video of the incident, where Harbhajan was slapping Sreesanth, was never released to the public, even after the investigation into the matter led by Sudhir Nanavati, who submitted the report to the BCCI and the IPL committee, which suspended the former Indian spinner for the remainder of the season as punishment for his unsportsmanlike conduct. The incident came to light when Sreesanth was caught on camera crying after being slapped by Harbhajan.

The infamous slapgate incident resurfaced after 17 years, when Lalit Modi publicized the video on Michael Clarke's podcast, Beyond 23. The footage shows the confrontation in detail, where Harbhajan Singh gave a backhand slap to S Sreesanth, and the brawl-like situation unfolded between the two after the match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians at the PCA in Mohali.

The famous slap in my podcast with @MClarke23 on #beyond23 - part 3 of my podcast. I love @harbhajan_singh - but after 17 years it was time to reveal it. Lots and lots more to reveal but that will now only be in the movie that's in the works supervised by @SnehaRajani on my... twitter/EhPaIRAZ0F

- Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 29, 2025

Soon after, the video went viral on social media, refreshing memories of one of the most controversial moments in the history of the Indian Premier League, raising questions of releasing the video to the public when the saga took place almost two decades ago, with many questioning the timing and intent behind Lalit Modi's decision.

'It was an unfortunate incident'

Days after the IPL 2008 slapgate video was made public by Lalit Modi through Michael Clarke's podcast, Harbhajan Singh finally broke his silence. Attending Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai, the former Indian spinner was asked about the footage that went viral on social media.

Speaking to Instant Bollywood, Harbhajan admitted that it was an unfortunate incident, which he spoke about on every platform, adding that he made a mistake. He also sought forgiveness from Lord Ganesha for such mistakes

“The video has gone viral. It's such an unfortunate incident, about which I have already spoken on several platforms, that I made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, and I, too, made a mistake, and I have acknowledged it at every stage,” the former Indian spinner said.

“Today I went to Bappa (God) and told Him that I made a mistake, and if I make mistakes in the future as well, we are among those who forget. You are among those who forgive. We should forgive. We are human. Mistakes keep happening,” he added.

A post shared by Instant Bollywood Videos (@instantbollywoodvideos)

Before Harbhajan Singh reacted to the viral video of the IPL 2008 slapgate, S Sreesanth's wife Bhuvneshwari put out a couple of Instagram stories, calling out Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke for their 'inhumane and disgusting' act.

She also highlighted how former Indian pacer had to rebuild his entire life and dignity after the slapgate incident, only to reopen the painful memories for public attention, forcing both families to relive the trauma and incident that took place nearly two decades ago.

Harbhajan suspects Modi of selfish motive

Further speaking about the IPL 2008 slapgate video, Harbhajan Singh criticized Lalit Modi for releasing the footage to the public while suspecting him of a 'selfish motive' behind it. He added that it seemed unnecessary to release the video of the incident, which took place almost two decades ago, as everybody had moved on from it.

“But the way the video was released is very wrong. It should not have been done in any manner; perhaps there is some selfish motive behind it. What happened 18 years ago, people have already forgotten, and now it is being brought up again,” the 45-year-old added.

“I feel bad about whatever happened. While playing, everyone has their own thoughts running through their mind. Mistakes happen, for which we feel ashamed,” he concluded.

Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth have reconciled and moved past the infamous slapegate. In a 2023 interview, Sreesanth referred to Harbhajan as his 'elder brother' and emphasized that the entire controversy was a misunderstanding blown out of proportion. While a former Indian spinner expressed deep regret over the incident, admitting it was a mistake, and wanted to remove it from his life.

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