S Sreesanth issues open challenge to Harbhajan Singh over revived ‘Slapgate’ controversy

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The infamous ‘Slapgate’ controversy from the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to cast a shadow nearly two decades later. What appeared to be a chapter both players had moved on from has once again become a talking point after fresh comments from former India fast bowler S Sreesanth.

Over the years, Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh seemed to have repaired their relationship. The duo shared public platforms, appeared in promotional events together, and often spoke respectfully about each other. However, recent developments have seemingly reopened old wounds, bringing one of Indian cricket’s most controversial incidents back into the spotlight.

During a recent appearance on the Lallantop show, Sreesanth was shown an old photograph featuring himself and Harbhajan dressed in boxing gear. The image prompted an emotional response from the former India pacer, who used the opportunity to publicly challenge his former teammate. Sreesanth questioned whether Harbhajan would be willing to face him in a real contest, insisting that he was ready to settle their differences directly rather than through public remarks or advertisements.

“This same scene, do you have the guts? Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? Can you? I am asking him. Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Wearing this same gloves. This is not acting, I am smiling. You are not even smiling, I don’t know what you are doing. Let’s see. This is an open challenge. I am currently in the Bear Knuckle Fight League, and I am also one of the main sponsors of Conor McGregor’s video; one of my good friends sponsored it, so the promotion is also done. I am challenging you, Bhajji,” Sreesanth said.

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The latest war of words stems from a recent advertisement featuring Harbhajan, which reportedly drew inspiration from the infamous IPL 2008 incident. While the advertisement did not directly mention Sreesanth, the former Kerala pacer expressed his displeasure and accused Harbhajan of making light of a painful episode from his career.

According to Sreesanth, he has once again cut ties with Harbhajan and even blocked him following the advertisement. He also alleged that the former spinner benefited financially by revisiting the controversy. Doubling down on his remarks, Sreesanth urged Harbhajan to resolve matters face-to-face rather than through indirect references.

“I challenge you, Bhajji. If you have this much of a problem with the slap thing and me, and you earn this much… let me earn too. Come into the ring. I am calling you from my heart. If we have some self-respect, let’s not do ads and all that. In a genuine way, for all the Malayalis and all the Sardars, please come. I am waiting,” he said.

The original ‘Slapgate’ controversy occurred after an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in 2008, when Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth following the game. The incident resulted in disciplinary action against Harbhajan and became one of the most talked-about moments in IPL history.

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