IPL Slapgate Controversy: The infamous IPL “slapgate” controversy is back in headlines after S. Sreesanth, a former Indian cricketer, made shocking statements about Harbhajan Singh, a former cricketer. Sreesanth accused Harbhajan of earning between ₹80 lakh and ₹1 crore from an advertisement that used the 2008 IPL incident as its basis.
What Did Sreesanth Say?
Sreesanth told Malayalam media outlet Mathrubhumi that he had remained quiet on the issue for several years because he became angry when Harbhajan used the historic dispute for his advertising campaign.
According to multiple reports, Sreesanth said:
“He made around ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore off it. He then called me and asked me to post a story about it. I told him, ‘I’ll forgive but I’ll never forget.’ If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them but never forget.
“If you forget, they will do the same thing again. He is the biggest example of that. There is no doubt about it,” he added.
What Was IPL Slapgate?
The original incident took place in April 2008 after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
After the news broke that Harbhajan had slapped him during the post-match handshake line Sreesanth showed his emotional distress when television cameras showed him crying. The episode became one of the first major scandals in IPL history. Harbhajan received a season-ending ban from the league and faced further disciplinary measures.
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IPL Slapgate Controversy
Sreesanth now has completely cut off contact with Harbhajan according to multiple reports which state that he has blocked him on social media platforms. He reportedly said he no longer has any relationship with him.
“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin, he talked about my daughter.
“People will think, ‘Oh, what a great person he is.’ He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India until now, it is all an act. That act is something Sreesanth does not accept,” he added.
“I have no relationship with that person. I used to call him a brother. But in the last one or two months he did that ad, and now I have blocked him on Instagram,” he said.
May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin, he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it’s all an act. That act is something Sreesanth doesn’t accept,” said Sreesanth.
Has Harbhajan Responded?
As of now, Harbhajan Singh has not issued any public response to Sreesanth’s latest allegations. With the story gaining traction rapidly, cricket fans are watching closely to see whether he addresses the claims.
