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New Delhi: Unseen footage of the Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth clash from the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League has resurfaced after 17 years, following Lalit Modi's claim that he possessed footage of the notorious "slapgate" incident. The controversy that shook the IPL has reignited debate over why the video was withheld from the public for so long.
The incident occurred during a match in Mohali when Mumbai Indians' stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh slapped Kings XI Punjab bowler Sreesanth during the post-match handshake.
Though the precise moment was never captured on television, images of a tearful Sreesanth made headlines at the time, casting a shadow over the league’s early days. Harbhajan was later banned for 11 matches and fined by the BCCI disciplinary committee, which found him guilty of misconduct.
On Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi revealed that one of his security cameras had recorded the entire altercation. “As players were exchanging handshakes, Bhajji just looked at Sreesanth, said something and gave him a backhander. That’s what the footage shows. I’ve had it for 18 years,” Modi disclosed. His comments have sparked renewed criticism with many questioning why the video was concealed and whether its release now serves any purpose.
While both players have since reconciled and moved into new roles as commentators, the resurfacing of the video has prompted strong reactions. Sreesanth’s wife criticised Modi and Clarke, accusing them of dragging old wounds merely to attract attention.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, one of the few who had access to the unseen footage, finally provided clarity. He posted on X explaining that those who viewed the video had agreed never to release it because the IPL was in its very first year. “It wouldn’t have been the best bit of news for it,” he admitted, emphasising how the league’s reputation was carefully guarded during its infancy.
His remarks offer insight into why the incident was downplayed at the time, despite it remaining one of the most talked-about controversies in IPL history. Sreesanth's wife also condemned Modi and Clarke for unnecessarily dredging up old wounds for publicity.
For many fans, the resurfacing of the "slapgate" episode is an unwelcome reminder of a dark chapter in Indian cricket. Harbhajan and Sreesanth have long since moved past the altercation, but Modi’s claims and Bhogle’s admission reveal how cautiously the IPL’s early reputation was managed.
Nearly two decades later, the debate persists over whether such moments should stay hidden to protect the sport's image, or if the truth should always emerge. The discussion continues but Bhogle has clarified why the video was buried. e video was buried.
