Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth Slap Incident: Lalit Modi Releases 18-Year-Old Video
Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth Slap Incident: Lalit Modi Releases 18-Year-Old Video
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh once faced one of the biggest controversies in Indian Premier League (IPL) history after he slapped pacer S Sreesanth during a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). The shocking incident took place in April 2008 at Mohali and led to Harbhajan receiving a major ban, as recently recalled by ex-IPL chairman Lalit Modi.
What Happened Between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth?
During the customary post-match handshake, Harbhajan Singh — who was captaining Mumbai Indians in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar — suddenly slapped Sreesanth. The fast bowler, then playing for Kings XI Punjab, was left in tears on the field. The footage of the incident resurfaced recently and has gone viral across social media platforms.
Reports at the time suggested that Harbhajan’s frustration came from Mumbai Indians’ poor start under his leadership — three consecutive losses — and Sreesanth’s aggressive send-offs to MI batters during Punjab’s victory. Kings XI Punjab filed an official complaint with the IPL governing body, forcing disciplinary action.
Harbhajan Singh’s Punishment Explained
Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast hosted by Michael Clarke, Lalit Modi revisited the infamous “slapgate” episode:
“It happened absolutely. It was Bhajji, it was Sreesanth. Players were shaking hands. Bhajji just looked at him and gave him a backhander. I sat both of them down and had to penalise Bhajji. He was banned for 8 games,” revealed Modi.
Match referee Farokh Engineer found Harbhajan guilty of a Level 4.2 offence under the IPL Code of Conduct. As a result, the off-spinner was banned for the rest of IPL 2008 and forfeited his entire season’s salary.
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
At that point, Harbhajan’s campaign ended after just three matches where he had already picked up five wickets at an impressive average of 16.40 and scored 30 runs.
BCCI’s Additional Punishment
The controversy did not stop with the IPL ban. On 14 May 2008, the BCCI disciplinary committee also found Harbhajan guilty under Rule 3.2.1 of its regulations. He was handed a five-match ODI suspension and warned that any future serious misconduct could result in a life ban.
This meant Harbhajan Singh missed India’s tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup 2008 in Pakistan. Despite the setback, the bowler admitted his mistake and apologised publicly to Sreesanth, saying, “I have been punished for the wrong I did.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports, archival footage, and statements made by Lalit Modi. The details are for informational purposes only and do not intend to defame or sensationalize the individuals involved.
