Former India cricketer Sreesanth has openly challenged Harbhajan Singh to a boxing match in an attempt to settle their long-running differences. The remarks have once again brought attention to the infamous “Slapgate” controversy that took place during the 2008 IPL season.
The dispute between the two former India teammates dates back to an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2008, when Harbhajan was accused of slapping Sreesanth after the game, leading to one of the biggest controversies in IPL history.
Do You Have the Guts to Come Into the Ring With Me? – Sreesanth Challenges Harbhajan Singh
During the Lallantop podcast, Sreesanth reacted to an old promotional photo featuring himself and Harbhajan Singh in boxing gloves. The former India pacer challenged Harbhajan to step into a boxing ring and settle their long-standing differences face-to-face.
“This same scene, do you have the guts? Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? Can you? I am asking him. Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Wearing this same gloves… This is not acting, I am smiling. You are not even smiling, I don’t know what you are doing. Let’s see. This is an open challenge.”
Following the breakdown of their relationship, Sreesanth cut all contact with Harbhajan and blocked him across communication platforms. He also accused Harbhajan of benefiting from the controversy.
I Am Challenging You, Bhajji” – Sreesanth
Sreesanth insisted that his challenge to Harbhajan Singh is serious and not a publicity stunt. The former India pacer said that he is prepared to face Harbhajan in a boxing ring.
“I am currently in the Bear Knuckle Fight League, and I am also one of the main sponsors of Conor McGregor’s video; one of my good friends sponsored it, so the promotion is also done. I am challenging you, Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh).”
The former fast bowler claimed the commercial reopened old wounds and reignited their long-running dispute. Sreesanth also alleged that Harbhajan received around ₹1 crore for appearing in the advertisement.
If You Have This Much of a Problem… – Sreesanth
The former Kerala pacer said that he wants to settle his differences with Harbhajan Singh directly rather than through advertisements or public remarks. He said that his boxing challenge is a matter of self-respect and urged Harbhajan to face him in the ring.
“I challenge you, Bhajji. If you have this much of a problem with the slap thing and me, and you earn this much… let me earn too. Come into the ring. I am calling you from my heart. If we have some self-respect, let’s not do ads and all that. In a genuine way, for all the Malayalis and all the Sardars, please come. I am waiting.”
Harbhajan was punished for slapping Sreesanth after the ‘Slapgate’ incident. The spinner then publicly apologized for the incident, and the two former India teammates appeared together at several promotional events. At the time of writing, Harbhajan has not responded publicly to Sreesanth’s boxing challenge.