Nearly two decades after the infamous IPL ‘slapgate’ controversy, the episode has resurfaced with fresh intensity, as former India pacer S. Sreesanth publicly criticised Harbhajan Singh for revisiting the incident in a recent advertisement. The original controversy dates back to April 2008, when Harbhajan allegedly slapped Sreesanth during a post-match handshake following a clash between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.
The incident led to a season-long ban for Harbhajan and became one of the earliest flashpoints in IPL history. While both players appeared to have moved on over the years, Sreesanth has now revealed that a recent advertisement featuring Harbhajan — which reportedly referenced the incident in a light-hearted manner — has reopened old wounds.
“I have never spoken about Bhajji in any interview. This is going to be the first time,” S Sreesanth said in an interaction with Mathrubhumi. “Until recently there were no problems, but he made an ad about it once again. He made around ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore off it.”
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Sreesanth also claimed that Harbhajan reached out to him to promote the advertisement on social media, a request he declined.
“He then called me and asked me to put a story on it. I told him, ‘I’ll forgive but I’ll never forget’.” The 2007 T20 World Cup winner emphasised that while he believes in forgiveness, forgetting such incidents can lead to repeated mistakes. “If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them but never forget. If you forget, they will do the same thing again.”
Sreesanth further made it clear that his relationship with Harbhajan has now completely broken down.
“I have no relationship with that person. I used to call him a brother. But now I have blocked him on Instagram.” Reflecting on his values, he added: “My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints, but I don’t need him in my life.”
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With the controversy gaining traction again — especially after unseen footage resurfaced last year — Sreesanth’s remarks suggest that one of IPL’s most talked-about incidents still carries unresolved emotions.
