NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh finally broke his silence on the infamous 'slapgate' incident after ex-IPL chairman Lalit Modi released the video, while speaking to former Australia captain Michael Clarke on his podcast Beyond 23.

Modi's move did not sit well with most Indian fans, who felt it was completely unnecessary as it reignited the controversy 17 years after the incident.

While attending Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Harbhajan was asked about the release of the clip and how fans now got to witness what actually transpired between him and Sreesanth.

"The way the video has been leaked, it's wrong. It shouldn't have happened. They might have a selfish motive behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago, people have forgotten, and they are reminding people about it," Harbhajan told Instant Bollywood.

"I feel bad for whatever happened. We were playing, and everyone had things going on in their mind. Mistakes happened, and we do feel ashamed about it," he added.

Having accepted his mistake on numerous occasions in the past, Harbhajan once again expressed regret for his actions.

"Yes, the video has gone viral. It was an unfortunate incident, and I have said on many occasions that I made a mistake. Humans make mistakes, and I did one too. I have requested Lord Ganesh to forgive me if I make a mistake again. Mistakes happen," said Harbhajan.

What happened in 2008?

The controversy erupted during a clash between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians in Mohali. Following Punjab's win, as players were walking off the field, Mumbai's stand-in skipper Harbhajan stunned everyone by slapping Sreesanth.

What grabbed everyone's attention was Sreesanth being spotted crying inconsolably on live television. While the exact reason for the altercation was never officially revealed, reports suggested that Sreesanth's on-field remarks may have provoked Harbhajan.

"It happened. Absolutely. And I'll tell you what happened," Modi told Clarke when asked about the altercation. "One of my security cameras was on because I was walking onto the field, and it caught the moment. As players were exchanging handshakes, Bhajji just looked at Sreesanth, said something, and gave him a backhander. That's what the footage shows."

"I haven't put it out for so long. But yes, it happened," Modi added.