Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi has defended his decision to release an unseen video of the 2008 IPL slap-gate incident after facing sharp criticism from S Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari.
She had slammed him and former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke for reviving the controversy involving her husband and Harbhajan Singh.
The row broke out after Modi and Clarke discussed old IPL memories on a podcast.
During the chat, Modi shared a clip showing Harbhajan striking Sreesanth with a backhanded slap during post-match handshakes following a match between the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab. Harbhajan was suspended for 11 matches for the act.
Modi defends his stand
Lalit Modi said that he only shared the truth when asked about the incident.
“I don’t know why she is angry. I was asked a question, and I responded with the truth. Sree was the victim, and that is what I said. No one had asked me this earlier, so when Clarke mentioned it, I explained,” he said.
He further added that the footage came from his security cameras after broadcasters had already switched theirs off.
Modi described to Clarke how the video showed Harbhajan calling Sreesanth during the handshake before delivering the slap.
Both cricketers have since reconciled, with Harbhajan publicly apologising multiple times. They have also appeared together on commentary panels and in advertisements, signalling closure of the matter.
Family calls video release painful
Bhuvneshwari, however, called the act ‘disgusting, heartless and inhuman’.
In her social media posts, she said both players had long moved on and were now fathers of school-going children. She accused Modi and Clarke of chasing publicity at the cost of reopening an old wound.
Sreesanth re-shared her posts on Instagram. She further said it was painful for their family to relive trauma after 18 years.
“He has rebuilt his life with dignity. It scars not just the players but also their innocent children, who now face shame and questions for no fault of theirs,” she wrote.
She urged Modi and Clarke to think of the consequences.
“Fear God. You are causing pain to families and innocent children for your benefit,” she added.
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