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The famous “Slapgate” controversy of IPL is once again in the headlines. Well, this time, former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth has given an open challenge to his former teammate Harbhajan Singh to settle their scores inside the boxing ring.
Sreesanth admitted that the old “Slapgate” controversy is still being talked about and now called for an actual face-to-face rather than more discussion and debate. Later, Harbhajan Singh took a veiled dig at Sreesanth after the boxing challenge.
Sreesanth wants to face Harbhajan Singh inside the boxing ring
S Sreesanth, during a podcast, has directly challenged Harbhajan Singh to face him in the ring. The former fast bowler, who is currently involved in combat sports, said he is ready for the fight and is curious to know if Harbhajan will accept the challenge.
Sreesanth said on Lallantop, “This is the same scene, do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? I am asking him. Are you wearing these 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.”
This comment of Sreesanth comes after Harbhajan Singh got angry with the recent advertisement. He felt that the advertisement indirectly reminded people of the 2008 IPL controversy and he decided to respond publicly.
The former Rajasthan Royals bowler also pointed towards an old promotional picture in which both the cricketers were seen wearing boxing gloves. He questioned whether Harbhajan would be ready to face him in a real match.
The former World Cup winner said, “I am in the bare-knuckle fight league right now. I am challenging you, Bhajji. If you have this much problem with the slapping thing and me and you earn so much… then let me earn too. Come to the ring. I am calling you from my heart. If we have even a little self-respect in us, let’s not do advertisements etc. In a real way, for all the Malayalees and all the Sardars, please come. I I am waiting.”
Sreesanth’s open challenge to Harbhajan for ring fight
Bhajji, if you have the guts, get into the ring. Enough with the ads.. pic.twitter.com/VQV5f7E1La
– Kohlistic (@Kohlistic18) June 18, 2026
The famous IPL “Slapgate” controversy of 2008
The battle between Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth is one of the most controversial incidents in IPL history. This happened during the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008 when Harbhajan was playing for Mumbai Indians and Sreesanth was representing Kings XI Punjab.
After the match there was an argument between Sreesanth and Harbhajan. The situation worsened when the former Indian spinner slapped the former fast bowler. Soon after, an emotional Sreesanth was seen crying on the field and the incident became one of the biggest controversies of that IPL season. Harbhajan later faced severe punishment for his actions.
Over the years, Harbhajan has apologized publicly several times and the two former cricketers have also been seen together in TV shows, advertisements and other events. However, Sreesanth recently revealed that he no longer wants any personal relationship with Harbhajan.
Sreesanth, who also recalled his Tihar jail days, said he has barred the former spinner and moved on from the issue, adding that he does not want to continue any relationship with Harbhajan after the ad which has reopened old wounds.
5 cricketers who entered combat sports
Interestingly, Sreesanth is not the first cricketer to show interest in combat sports. Over the years, many famous cricketers have stepped into the boxing ring and MMA cage.
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff surprised many fans when he became a professional boxer after retirement. Apart from Flintoff, England’s Jonny Douglas and Adam Holyoake, as well as former Australia and South Africa batsman Kepler Wessels made their names in the game.
Andrew Flintoff
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff surprised many by becoming a professional boxer in 2012 after retiring from the sport in 2010 due to persistent knee injuries. He trained hard, lost significant weight and prepared seriously for his professional boxing debut.
In his first fight in Manchester, Flintoff faced American heavyweight Richard Dawson. The great England all-rounder showed courage and discipline throughout the encounter and eventually won on points with the referee scorecard 39-38. Flintoff later returned to cricket and went on to have a successful broadcasting career.
Adam Holyoake
Another former England captain Adam Holyoake also made his mark in the world of fighting after retiring from the game of cricket. He returned to Australia and became involved in mixed martial arts (MMA) and competed in professional cage-fighting competitions.
Holyoake loved boxing since childhood and dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. He once told ESPN Cricinfo, “I have boxed a lot since I was 12. When I used to play cricket I wanted to be a professional boxer, but mom and dad wouldn’t let me.”
The former England ODI captain made his professional boxing debut in Brisbane in 2012. He won the fight by TKO in the fourth round after knocking down Leah Blacka twice. He later finished his boxing career with 3 wins and 2 losses.
johnny douglas
Former England captain Johnny Douglas had created history long before Flintoff and Holyoake. Apart from playing Test cricket, Douglas won the middleweight gold medal in boxing at the 1908 Olympic Games in London, making his journey even more special.
Douglas also won the famous ABA middleweight boxing title in 1905, representing the Belsize Amateur Boxing Club. He was known for his aggressive style and as a fierce puncher in boxing, but on the cricket field he was completely different – a defensive batsman who scored very slowly.
bill alley
Bill Ally was a successful and flamboyant boxer in Australia before becoming a cricket legend. Eli remained undefeated throughout his boxing career. He fought 28 professional matches and won all 28. He was set to fight for a world title, but his boxing career ended in a shocking manner.
During a cricket practice session in Adelaide in 1946, Ally was hit hard in the face by a ball after passing the net. The impact left his jaw badly damaged, he was in a coma for two days and required major surgery and 60 stitches. However, Ally recovered and went on to have a successful cricket career but could not make a comeback in the ring.
gerry grant
Gerry Grant was a rare West Indies captain. Before leading the West Indies on the 1939 tour of England, Grant had already made a name for himself as Trinidad’s heavyweight boxing champion.
He was also a talented football goalkeeper and represented the England amateur team while studying at Cambridge University. Grant is one of the rare players who has shone in cricket, boxing and football.