Check out the new chapter of the Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth famous slapgate controversy

The 'Slapgate' incident, which occurred during the very first season of the IPL in 2008, is considered one of the most controversial episodes in the history of the league. Two former Indian cricketers—Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth—were involved in this incident. Some time ago, both players appeared on the "Who is the Boss" YouTube podcast, hosted by Harbhajan Singh and his wife Geeta Basra, where they even discussed the matter. Meanwhile, just a few days before that, IPL founder Lalit Modi released the 'Slapgate' video, during an interview with Australia’s former captain Michael Clarke, following which the incident suddenly and once again became the centre of public discussion. Harbhajan Singh had even apologised to Sreesanth for the incident. 

Consequently, it appeared that the matter had finally been laid to rest; however, a recent development has once again thrust this dormant issue back into the limelight. Following this, it is being speculated that the relationship between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth has come to a complete end.

According to recent reports, Sreesanth has admitted that he no longer has any ties with Harbhajan Singh and has blocked him on social media. The reason behind this is a new advertisement featuring Harbhajan Singh that was released some time ago, which is based on the 'Slapgate' controversy. Sreesanth stated that Harbhajan earned between ₹80 lakh and ₹1 crore from this advertisement. Furthermore, Harbhajan had even asked Sreesanth to share this ad on his own Instagram Story. Angered by this conduct from his former teammate, the former pacer blocked him on Instagram.

"I have never spoken about Bhajji in any interview. This is going to be the first time," Sreesanth told Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news outlet.    

"Until recently, there were no problems, but he made an ad about it once again. He made around Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore off it. He then called me and asked me to put a story on it. I told him, ‘I'll forgive, but I'll never forget’. If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them, but never forget. If you forget, they will do the same thing again. He is the biggest example for that. There is no doubt about that."    

Sreesanth further stated that he considered Harbhajan his elder brother. He also recalled an old interview of Harbhajan Singh, in which Harbhajan had said that he still regrets that incident to this day and always apologises for it.

"I have no relationship with that person. I used to call him a brother. But in that last 1 or 2 months, he did that ad, and now I have blocked him on Instagram,” Sreesanth said.    

“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don't have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin, he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it's all an act. That act is something Sreesanth doesn't accept."    

However, Harbhajan has so far maintained silence on this issue. He is currently part of the commentary panel for IPL 2026.