Sreesanth’s wife tears into Modi, Clarke for releasing IPL ‘slapgate’ footage after 17 years

Former India cricketer S Sreesanth's wife Bhuvneshwari has been hurt by the release of the infamous IPL 'slapgate' video from 2008. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi released the previously unseen video of Harbhajan Singh slapping Sreesanth 17 years ago, during his appearance on the Michael Clarke podcast.

"Shame on you, Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your cheap publicity and views," posted Bhuvneshwari on Instagram.

Sreesanth shared his wife's Instagram story, which criticised Modi and Clarke for reopening old wounds. "Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan have long moved on; they are fathers now with school-going children, and yet you try to throw them back into an old wound. Absolutely disgusting, heartless and inhuman," Bhuvneshwari posted.

A file photo of S Sreesanth's wife Bhuvneshwari. File photo: Manorama

The footage that has surfaced shows Harbhajan hitting Sreesanth with a backhand slap. An inconsolable Sreesanth was seen sobbing, but there was no footage to substantiate the claim that Harbhajan had slapped him before that.

Also Read Footage of Harbhajan slapping Sreesanth from IPL 2008 released by Lalit Modi

ADVERTISEMENT

Harbhajan was the stand-in captain of the Mumbai Indians during that time, and Sreesanth played for Kings XI Punjab. Harbhajan's side had lost the match, and he was allegedly upset by Sreesanth saying 'hard luck' during the customary handshake. Both players are now retired.

"Sreesanth has rebuilt his life with dignity and grace after every hardship he faced. As his wife and as the mother of his children, it is deeply painful for our family to see this resurface after 18 long years.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Families are being forced to relive trauma that was buried decades ago, only so you can chase views. This doesn't just hurt the players, it scars their innocent children who now have to face questions and shame for no fault of theirs.

"You should be sued for doing something so cheap and inhumane. Sreesanth is a man of strength and character, and no video can take that dignity away from him. Fear God before you hurt families and innocent children for your own goals," Bhuvneshwari posted.

Click here to read article