Lalit Modi has responded to criticism from Bhuvneshwari, wife of former India pacer S. Sreesanth, after she lashed out at him and ex-Australia captain Michael Clarke for sharing the infamous “slapgate” clip from IPL 2008. The controversy, which saw Harbhajan Singh slap Sreesanth following a clash between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, remains one of the league’s most heated incidents. Harbhajan was banned for 11 matches at the time.
Modi, who revealed the unseen footage during a podcast with Clarke, was accused by Bhuvneshwari of exploiting an old controversy for “cheap publicity and views.” In a series of Instagram stories, she called the act “disgusting, heartless, and inhuman,” adding that both players had moved on and are now family men.
Hitting back, Modi defended his actions, insisting he only shared the truth when asked. “I don’t know why she is getting angry. I was asked a question, and I responded honestly. Sree was the victim, and that’s exactly what I said. I can’t do anything about that,” Modi told The Times of India.
Bhuvneshwari, however, maintained that dredging up the past has reopened old wounds and hurt their children. “Sreesanth has rebuilt his life with dignity. Families are being forced to relive trauma that was buried decades ago. This doesn’t just hurt the players; it scars their innocent children,” she said.
The row has once again reignited memories of an incident that both Harbhajan and Sreesanth had long since put behind them.