The clash between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth remains one of the most infamous moments in the history of the Indian Premier League. Almost 18 years later, the incident has returned to the spotlight after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi claimed he has unseen footage of the altercation. He made the revelation during Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
The episode took place in the first IPL season in 2008 during a match in Mohali between Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians. After Punjab’s victory, players were leaving the field when Mumbai’s stand-in captain Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth. The fast bowler was later seen crying on live television, comforted by his teammates.
The reason behind the altercation was never confirmed, though reports suggested Sreesanth’s on-field comments may have triggered Harbhajan. The punishment was swift. Harbhajan was suspended for the rest of the season, handed an 11-match ban, and lost his match fees. He later apologised, and both players eventually reconciled, but the incident became part of IPL’s folklore.
Now, Lalit Modi has reopened the chapter. He said one of his security cameras caught the moment, which television broadcasters missed. “As players were shaking hands, Bhajji looked at Sreesanth, said something, and then struck him. That’s what the footage shows,” Modi said.
According to him, the video has been in his possession for 18 years but was never shared publicly. Whether the footage will be released remains unclear. Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth have since retired and now work in commentary, but the controversy has once again reminded fans of the fiery early days of the IPL.