People still talk about it: Harbhajan Singh opens up on Sreesanth slapgate row

Mumbai: Recalling the infamous ‘Slapgate’ controversy, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh admitted that slapping S Sreesanth during an Indian Premier League (IPL) game in 2008 was a mistake he could have avoided.

After an IPL match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Sreesanth, playing for the latter, was seen crying when the then-MI spinner Harbhajan slapped him on his face.

"Whatever happened with Sreesanth.. me and him on the field.. lot of people talk about that incident now," the 38-year-old said to Behindwoods Air.

"If I have to go back and rectify something in my life, I would correct that. I shouldn't have done that,” he added.

"That was a mistake and I am sorry about that. It shouldn't have happened. Sreesanth is a top guy and he had so much of skill. My best wishes to Sreesanth and his wife and to their children. No matter what people say, I am still your brother," the former Punjab cricketer continued.

Sreesanth’s career had later come to an abrupt end after being banned for his involvement in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing scandal. As a result, he was suspended from all forms of cricket.