“Truth…”: Lalit Modi responds after S Sreesanth’s wife slams release of unseen 2008 ‘Slap‑gate’ video

A fresh storm has erupted around the 2008 IPL ‘Slap‑gate’ incident after former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi discussed the episode on Michael Clarke’s podcast and shared unseen security‑camera footage of Harbhajan Singh striking S Sreesanth during post‑match handshakes. As the clip went viral, Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari, condemned Modi and Clarke for “reopening old wounds,” calling the move “disgusting, heartless and inhuman.” Modi has now replied, saying he simply answered a direct question and “shared the truth.”

Modi said broadcast cameras were off when the teams lined up after the Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab match in Mohali, but a security camera captured Harbhajan calling Sreesanth over and delivering a backhanded slap. Harbhajan was banned for 11 matches at the time; both players later reconciled publicly and have even appeared together in commentary and advertisements.

Posting on social media, Bhuvneshwari argued that both families had moved on and that reviving the incident 17 years later was hurtful, especially for their children. Sreesanth reshared her posts, urging creators to consider the human cost of chasing views with sensational, old footage.

Modi maintained he didn’t intend to provoke, reiterating that Sreesanth was the victim and that he merely stated facts when asked. He explained the video existed because it was captured by a non‑broadcast security camera, not by TV crews.

The podcast’s revisit of early‑IPL flashpoints, coupled with the first public airing of this angle, has reignited debate over whether long‑settled controversies should be resurfaced for traction. Many also questioned why the clip stayed private for so long and whether sharing it serves any purpose today. Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth have repeatedly said they moved on, with Harbhajan apologising publicly in the past—signalling closure between them, even if the internet hasn’t forgotten.