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When Harbhajan Singh Got Caught At The Centre Of 'Monkeygate' Horror Vs Andrew Symonds

Akshita Patel

Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds' famous scandal [Source: Reuters]Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds' famous scandal [Source: Reuters]

January 6, 2008, will go down in history as a black day for cricket. A huge controversy hit the game during the second Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground between India and Australia, infamously known as the Monkeygate scandal with Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds.

It all started during India’s first innings. Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar were building a strong partnership. After Harbhajan hit a boundary off Brett Lee, he reportedly patted Lee on the back and said something encouraging. 

The Harbhajan Singh-Andrew Symonds Spat Nearly Destroyed India-Australia Ties

But Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds didn’t like it. He told Harbhajan Singh, “Do it to your own teammates,” and the situation quickly escalated into a heated exchange.

Australian players claimed that Harbhajan had called Symonds a "monkey," a racist slur, especially sensitive since Symonds had faced racial abuse in the past. 

Umpire Mark Benson had to step in, and the Australians reported the matter. Match referee Mike Procter then charged Harbhajan with a Level 3 offence and handed him a three-match ban.

However, the Indian team strongly denied the allegations and appealed. After a full hearing, ICC appeals commissioner Justice John Hansen ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove Harbhajan’s guilt. The ban was lifted, and he was fined 50% of his match fee instead.

While Australia won the Test by 122 runs, the match is more remembered for this controversy than the cricket itself. It strained relations between the two sides and triggered controversies regarding race, sportsmanship, and the use of stump mics.

The 'Monkeygate' controversy is still one of the most contentious incidents in the history of cricket and left a long-lasting influence on India-Australia relations for years.