New Delhi, June 20 (Yes Punjab News)
One of Indian cricket’s most controversial rivalries has once again returned to the spotlight, with former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth publicly challenging Harbhajan Singh to a ring fight and the former spinner appearing to respond with a cryptic social media message.
The fresh exchange has revived memories of the infamous 2008 IPL “Slapgate” controversy, one of the most talked-about off-field incidents in Indian cricket history.
Sreesanth Issues Open Challenge
The controversy resurfaced after Sreesanth, during a recent podcast interview, expressed anger over an advertisement featuring Harbhajan Singh that he believes indirectly referenced the 2008 “Slapgate” episode.
Claiming that old wounds had been reopened, Sreesanth accused Harbhajan of continuing to benefit commercially from the incident and challenged him to settle matters in an actual fight.
Referring to a promotional image in which both former cricketers appeared in boxing-style attire, Sreesanth questioned whether Harbhajan would be willing to enter a ring and face him for real.
The former India pacer, who has recently been associated with combat sports and the Bare Knuckle Fight League, said he was ready for a genuine contest and publicly invited Harbhajan to accept the challenge.
Sreesanth further stated that if unresolved issues still existed between them, they should be addressed directly rather than through advertisements or indirect references.
Harbhajan Posts Cryptic Message
While Harbhajan Singh did not directly respond to Sreesanth’s challenge, he later shared a video message on social media that quickly drew attention.
In the video, Harbhajan recited a Hindi couplet:
“Karne do jo log bakwas karte hain,
Hamesha khali bartan hi to awaaz karte hain.”
Translated loosely, the couplet means:
“Let those who speak nonsense continue to do so; it is always the empty vessels that make the most noise.”
Although Harbhajan did not mention Sreesanth by name, the timing of the post led many social media users to interpret it as an indirect response to the former pacer’s remarks.
Revisiting the ‘Slapgate’ Controversy
The latest exchange has once again brought attention to the IPL 2008 incident that became known as “Slapgate”.
Following a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab during the inaugural IPL season, Harbhajan Singh was accused of slapping Sreesanth. Television footage later showed an emotional Sreesanth in tears, triggering widespread debate and disciplinary action against Harbhajan.
The episode remains one of the most controversial moments in Indian cricket’s history.
Relationship Had Appeared Cordial
Over the years, both former India teammates appeared to have moved beyond the controversy. Harbhajan publicly expressed regret on several occasions, while the two were seen together on television programmes, cricket shows and commercial campaigns.
However, Sreesanth’s latest comments suggest that the issue may not have been completely buried.
The former pacer also revealed that he has blocked Harbhajan Singh and no longer wishes to maintain contact with him.
No Direct Acceptance of Challenge
As of now, Harbhajan Singh has neither accepted nor directly addressed the ring-fight challenge.
Whether the latest social media exchange develops into another public confrontation remains to be seen. For now, however, the renewed sparring between the two former India cricketers has ensured that memories of the “Slapgate” controversy remain firmly in public discussion nearly two decades later.
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