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"Why So Angry?": Lalit Modi Hits Back At Sreesanth’s Wife Over Slapgate Outburst

Akshita Patel

Lalit Modi responds to Sreesanth wife's criticism [Source: @goodbroto, @VishuFan/X.com]Lalit Modi responds to Sreesanth wife's criticism [Source: @goodbroto, @VishuFan/X.com]

The 2008 IPL "Slapgate" controversy is making news once again after Lalit Modi, former commissioner of the IPL, made previously unreleased footage of the altercation between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth public. The video has triggered a fresh storm, leaving Sreesanth’s family hurt and angry.

The controversy started when Modi appeared on Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast. During their chat, Clarke asked about one of IPL’s most shocking moments, and Modi responded by releasing a never-before-seen clip from his private security cameras. 

Lalit Modi Defends Himself After Sreesanth’s Wife’s Outburst

The footage reportedly shows Harbhajan Singh giving Sreesanth a backhand slap during the post-match handshake between the Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab players.

Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari, however, lashed out on social media, calling the act of releasing the video “disgusting, heartless and inhuman”. She stressed that both Sreesanth and Harbhajan had moved on in life, are fathers now, and should not be dragged back into painful old controversies. 

Responding to her criticism, Modi defended himself. Talking to IANS, he said he only answered Clarke’s question honestly. 

"I don’t know why she (Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari) is getting angry. I was asked a question, and I shared the truth. I can’t do anything about that. I am known to speak the truth. Sree was the victim, and that’s exactly what I said. No one had asked me this question earlier, so when Clarke quipped, I responded," Modi said.

Back in 2008, Harbhajan was handed an 11-match suspension, while both cricketers later reconciled, with Harbhajan even apologising multiple times. The matter had long been buried until Modi’s revelation dug it up again.

Why Did Harbhajan Slap Sreesanth?

The notorious "Slapgate" controversy happened during the IPL 2008. After Punjab won the game, Sreesanth allegedly taunted Harbhajan Singh after the handshake ceremony, uttering the words, "Hard luck, Bhajji pa," with a smile.

Already frustrated with the loss, Harbhajan lost his temper and slapped Sreesanth. Cameras later showed Sreesanth in tears, and the footage shocked fans. Though the moment became one of IPL’s biggest controversies, both players reconciled later, with Harbhajan publicly apologising multiple times.