Slapgate controversy: 17 years on Harbhajan Singh says 'It was my mistake'

Dubai: During the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008, a video of S Sreesanth crying on the field and his teammate Kumara Sangakkara consoling him had grabbed lot of attention.

Called as the 'slapgate' episode, an altercation between Sreesanth who was playing for Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh led to the latter slapping the former.

Following this incident Harbhajan Singh was banned for the rest of the tournament that season.

Recently, Harbhajan took to social media and acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret for his behaviour.

He further added that he is just a human being and not a God.

Harbhajan said, “This wasn’t right bhai It was my mistake . Shouldn’t hv done this . But Galti hui Insaan hu. Bhagwaan nahi.”

Despite the past conflict, Harbhajan and Sreesanth appear to be on better terms today.

Sreesath also gave his side of the story back in 2024. Sreesanth admitted the fact that Harbhajan Singh was somebody who he always looked upto. The former India pacer also added that the 'Slapgate' had become the biggest news of IPL 2008. 'When that incident happened, I was shocked. I didn't cry because of pain but because of heart. I could not take the fact that he would do it and I was not worried about who was watching. Before the game he had actually told me that don't go overboard with your aggression against us', said Sreesanth.