The former IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi has reacted sharply to being attacked by the wife of cricketer S. Sreesanth, Bhuvneshwari. The criticism was on after Modi and former Australian captain Michael Clarke talked about the notorious 2008 IPL Slapgate incident in a podcast, publishing an unseen video footage of the incident.
Slapgate Video Sparks Fresh Storm
The footage was captured using a private security camera and it captured Harbhajan Singh striking Sreesanth in handshakes after the match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). When the broadcasters had stopped shooting, Modi stated that his camera was at the right place at the right time. Harbhajan had been suspended 11 months by that time.
Both cricketers have made peace because, they are featured together in commentary boxes and brand campaigns. Harbhajan has already apologised on numerous occasions due to his behaviour, and he and the other have discussed numerous times to forget the scandal. Nevertheless, its re-emergence of the video has brought back memories of one of the most controversial initial episodes of IPL.
Lalit Modi Defends His Stance on Slapgate
In response to the criticism of Bhuvneshwari, Modi was quick to maintain that he needed no agenda and was merely responding to the question of Clarke. He said, “I don’t know why she (Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari) is getting angry. I was asked a question, and I shared the truth. I can’t do anything about that. I am known to speak the truth.”
Modi also noted that his version demonstrated Sreesanth as the victim which was always the case. “Sree was the victim, and that’s exactly what I said. No one had asked me this question earlier, so when Clarke quipped, I responded,” he explained.
Bhuvneshwari Slams Modi Over Slapgate Clip
Bhuvneshwari, however, expressed her anger in strong terms, calling the release of the clip “disgusting, heartless and inhuman.” She posted on social media: “Shame on you @lalitkmodi and @michaelclarkeofficial. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your own cheap publicity and views.”
She pointed out that Sreesanth and Harbhajan have forgotten the incident and now are parents of school going kids. “Yet you try to throw them back into an old wound. Absolutely disgusting, heartless, and inhuman,” she added. Sreesanth also reshared her posts on his Instagram account.
Family Impact of Slapgate Resurfacing
In a subsequent comment, Bhuvneshwari cited the emotional harm that such controversies have. She wrote, “@sreesanthnair36 has rebuilt his life with dignity and grace after every hardship he faced. As his wife and as the mother of his children, it is deeply painful for our family to see this resurface after 18 long years.”
She remarked that it is not only the players who are involved in the controversy but also scars the children of the players who might have to deal with awkward questions. “Families are being forced to relive trauma that was buried decades ago, only so you can chase views,” she noted. Finally, she urged Modi and Clarke to reflect: “Fear God. You are causing pain to families and innocent children for your own benefit.”
ALSO READ: ‘Shame on You’: Sreesanth’s Wife Slams Lalit Modi, Michael Clarke Over IPL Slapgate Video Release
