Sreesanth Cuts Ties With Harbhajan Singh Following Controversial IPL Slapgate Advertisement
The infamous 2008 Indian Premier League (IPL) altercation between S Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh has ignited a fresh conflict. Former India fast bowler Sreesanth has permanently severed ties with Harbhajan, blocking his former teammate on social media following a recent commercial advertisement that parodied the original controversy.
The Catalyst: Monetizing the 2008 Slapgate Incident
While both cricketers had seemingly reconciled over the past decade, tensions flared when Harbhajan Singh recently starred in a brand campaign referencing the 2008 on-field altercation. According to Sreesanth, Harbhajan earned between Rs 80 lakh and Rs 1 crore for the feature and subsequently requested Sreesanth to promote the advertisement on his personal social media channels.
Sreesanth vehemently rejected the request and took immediate steps to distance himself from the former off-spinner. In a recent statement to local media, the fast bowler clarified his stance on the renewed friction.
- Social Media Block: Sreesanth has officially blocked Harbhajan Singh on Instagram.
- Financial Claims: Sreesanth alleges Harbhajan profited heavily from the controversial campaign.
- Relationship Status: Sreesanth stated he no longer considers Harbhajan a brother and views his public persona as an act.
Unresolved Tension and Official Statements
“I have never spoken about Bhajji in any interview. This is going to be the first time,” Sreesanth stated. “Until recently, there were no problems, but he made an ad about it once again. He called me and asked me to post a story about it. I told him, ‘I will forgive but I will never forget.’ If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them but never forget. If you forget, they will do the same thing again.”
Sreesanth expressed deep disappointment over the commercialization of an event that heavily impacted his early career. Despite his assertion of forgiveness, he openly criticized Harbhajan’s character.
“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,” Sreesanth added. “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.”
Historical Context: The 2008 IPL Altercation
To understand the depth of this fracture, one must look back at the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League. The original incident took place during a league match in Mohali, setting a controversial tone for the newly formed tournament.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | April 25, 2008 |
| Teams Involved | Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians |
| Incident | Harbhajan Singh slapped S Sreesanth during post-match handshakes |
| Immediate Fallout | Harbhajan banned for the remainder of the inaugural IPL season |
At the time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched a swift investigation. Harbhajan, acting as the stand-in captain for Mumbai Indians, received a severe reprimand and suspension, while Sreesanth was seen crying on the live field broadcast. Although the two players later shared the dressing room during India’s successful 2011 ICC World Cup campaign, as documented by ESPNcricinfo, the underlying friction appears to have never fully dissipated.
The Final Verdict on Their Equation
For years, both cricketers maintained a fragile public truce, often appearing as analysts on broadcast networks. However, Sreesanth’s recent declarations indicate a definitive end to their association. By bringing the slapgate incident back into the public eye for commercial gain, Harbhajan has permanently closed the door on any future reconciliation with his former teammate.