• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Disrespectful Cheap Publicity Uthappa Slams Clarke For Minting Money On Slapgate

"Disrespectful, Cheap Publicity": Uthappa Slams Clarke For Minting Money On Slapgate

Akshita Patel

Robin Uthappa disgusted with Michael Clarke [Source: @yogesharma92, @BBCSport/X.com]Robin Uthappa disgusted with Michael Clarke [Source: @yogesharma92, @BBCSport/X.com]

The infamous “Slapgate” incident from the first edition of the IPL has returned to the spotlight. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has strongly criticised ex-Australian captain Michael Clarke and Lalit Modi for releasing the unedited video of the incident on his podcast.

The original controversy took place 17 years ago and involved Harbhajan Singh slapping Sreesanth during a heated moment in IPL 2008. While the incident was settled at the time and both players moved on, Clarke recently aired the raw footage after interviewing former IPL chairman Lalit Modi.

Robin Uthappa Tears Into Michael Clarke For Releasing Slapgate Video

Meanwhile, in his recent YouTube podcast, Robin Uthappa, who was Sreesanth’s teammate in the Indian team, blasted Michael Clarke for being insensitive and only chasing views. 

Uthappa stressed that Clarke had no direct involvement in the matter and questioned his right to put out such footage without informing Harbhajan or Sreesanth. 

"You have to have the sensitivity to have a conversation with those said individuals, seek their permission, and put a disclaimer that a conversation has been had to put this video out. Their emotions and sentiments need to be respected. You can't treat people like crap just because it will get you more views. Clarke had nothing to do with that clip," Uthappa said.

He called it a lack of decency, pointing out that after nearly two decades, such memories should not be dragged up without the consent of the players involved. Uthappa lastly added that if the video had to be shared, it should have come through the “right channels” with proper context and sensitivity.

"The decency of having a conversation, to say this has happened, can I do it? Can I not, it hadn't come out for 17 or 18 years and it doesn't have to now. And if it did, it has to come out through the right channels. People have to be respected, people involved have had to be had a conversation with, and then let it come out with a disclaimer because you want to set the right example," he added.

Notably, Sreesanth’s wife also reacted strongly, calling Clarke and Modi’s move a “cheap publicity stunt”. She referred to them as inhumane and explained how her kids will be traumatised to see their father’s controversy resurface even after nearly two decades.

Harbhajan Singh Also Reacts To The Controversy

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also strongly criticised former IPL chairman Lalit Modi for leaking the unseen footage of the infamous 2008 Slapgate. In an interview with Instant Bollywood, Harbhajan said he deeply regrets his action. 

Calling it a “selfish move”, Harbhajan said there was no need to remind fans of an incident that happened 18 years ago. He admitted he still feels ashamed and has apologised multiple times, adding that both he and Sreesanth have long moved on and share a friendly bond today.