'Was Lalit Modi Under the Influence When He Released the IPL Slapgate Video?'
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his disbelief at Lalit Modi's decision to release a controversial video from the 2008 slapgate incident. This incident, involving Harbhajan and S. Sreesanth, remains a hot topic, raising questions about the motives behind revisiting past controversies.
Key Takeaways
- Harbhajan Singh condemned Lalit Modi's release of the slapgate video.
- Modi's video sharing was deemed unnecessary by Harbhajan.
- The slapgate incident occurred in 2008 during IPL.
- Harbhajan acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed regret.
- Disciplinary actions were taken against Harbhajan following the incident.
New Delhi, Oct 5 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticized former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi for sharing a video of the notorious slapgate incident from 2008 involving Harbhajan and pacer S. Sreesanth, suggesting Modi must have been 'under the influence' when he released it.
On August 29, Modi shared the footage from IPL 2008 during an interview with former Australian captain Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
"I fail to see the need for making this public. Everyone has their perspective. What transpired was wrong, and I have already expressed my regret. The incident with Sreesanth was inappropriate. As an athlete, I recognize that I should have acted differently. Mistakes serve as lessons, and had I possessed greater wisdom at that time, I would have avoided it," Harbhajan explained to IANS.
In the viral video shared by Modi, then-captain of Mumbai Indians, Harbhajan was seen striking Sreesanth with a backhand slap during their post-match handshake. The encounter incited Sreesanth's anger, leading him to approach Harbhajan, who reciprocated the agitation. A potential brawl was averted when Irfan Pathan and Mahela Jayawardene quickly intervened to separate the players.
This shocking event drew media scrutiny and led to widespread condemnation of Harbhajan's actions, prompting him to apologize for the incident. Subsequently, a disciplinary hearing resulted in Harbhajan being banned for the remainder of the season, along with a five-match ODI suspension imposed by the BCCI for the slap.
Harbhajan further commented that, had he been in Modi’s shoes, he would have refrained from releasing such sensitive footage.
"Bringing up events from 18 years ago publicly—I'm perplexed by the intent behind it. It would have been more prudent for it to remain undisclosed. I am at a loss for their reasoning in releasing the video—perhaps they were under some influence or simply acting foolishly. If I were in their position, I would have ensured that no such video was made public," he concluded.
Point of View
We recognize the value of addressing sensitive historical events with care and respect. Harbhajan's retrospective acknowledgment of his past mistakes, coupled with his criticism of Modi's actions, highlights the need for responsible handling of such footage. While the media plays an essential role in keeping the public informed, it is vital to weigh the consequences of revisiting controversial moments that can reignite old wounds.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the slapgate incident?
The slapgate incident refers to a physical altercation between Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth during IPL 2008, where Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth after a match, leading to significant media scrutiny and disciplinary actions.
What actions were taken against Harbhajan Singh after the incident?
Following the incident, Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the IPL season and faced an additional five-match suspension in ODIs by the BCCI.
Why did Lalit Modi release the video now?
Lalit Modi released the video during an interview, which sparked criticism from Harbhajan, who questioned the motives behind revisiting such a sensitive topic from the past.
What was Harbhajan Singh's reaction to the video release?
Harbhajan expressed confusion over the need to make the incident public again and suggested that Modi might have been under some influence when he decided to share the footage.
How did the public react to the slapgate incident?
The incident drew widespread media attention and criticism towards Harbhajan, prompting discussions about sportsmanship and behavior among athletes.
