Sreesanth Cuts Ties with Harbhajan Over 2008 Slap Ad

Former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth has publicly severed ties with longtime teammate Harbhajan Singh, reigniting a feud stemming from a notorious 2008 incident in the Indian Premier League's inaugural season. In recent comments, Sreesanth accused Harbhajan of profiting from their past altercation through a commercial advertisement, leading him to block the former spinner on social media.

The original controversy unfolded on April 25, 2008, after a league match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. Harbhajan, then captain of Mumbai Indians, slapped Sreesanth, a fast bowler for Kings XI Punjab, during post-match handshakes. The altercation reportedly arose from heated exchanges, including mocking remarks from Sreesanth. Officials suspended Harbhajan for the remainder of the IPL season and barred him from five One-Day Internationals. He later expressed remorse, acknowledging his actions as a mistake.

Over the years, the two players appeared to reconcile, even sharing the field for India in international matches. Harbhajan has repeatedly apologized, stating in a podcast interview that he regretted the incident deeply and wished to erase it from...