‘I’ll Forgive But Never Forget’: Sreesanth Slams Harbhajan Singh Over ₹1 Crore ‘Slapgate’ Ad

The relationship between former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth appears to have deteriorated, with the two no longer on speaking terms.

The inaugural season of the Indian Premier League continues to be remembered for the ‘slapgate’ incident involving the two players. Though the retired cricketers seemed to have moved past the controversy, the 2008 episode has resurfaced as a fresh point of conflict.

Sreesanth has launched a sharp attack on Harbhajan, alleging that the former India spinner profited from the incident through a recent advertisement, claiming that he earned between ₹80 lakh and ₹1 crore.

He further alleged that Harbhajan asked him to share the advert on Instagram, a request he declined.

The former pacer said he had forgiven Harbhajan, but objected to the commercialisation of the slapgate controversy.

What Did Sreesanth Allege About Harbhajan Singh’s ₹1 Crore ‘Slapgate’ Advertisement?

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

“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 of that. There is no doubt about it,” Sreesanth said.

Expressing disappointment over Harbhajan’s actions, Sreesanth said he no longer shares any relationship with the former spinner, whom he once regarded as a brother. He added that he has cut all ties and even blocked him on Instagram.

“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don't have any complaints against him, nor do I need him,” he added.

“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," Sreesanth said.

Harbhajan was banned from the entire IPL 2028 season following the slapgate row. At the time, cameras had captured Sreesanth in tears on the field.