NEW DELHI: Ever since former IPL chairman Lalit Modi released the infamous 'Slapgate' video while speaking to Michael Clarke on his podcast Beyond 23, the backlash has continued, with cricketers criticising both of them for their insensitivity.
The incident dates back to the inaugural IPL in 2008, when Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth after the match between the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. Harbhajan, who was also banned for 11 matches, has repeatedly apologised publicly for his mistake.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who played in that controversial match, slammed Clarke for releasing the video, likening it to airing sensitive Australian cricket controversies that had long been kept private to protect players' dignity.
"That whole Slapgate thing that happened in the IPL. What the f*** man? How does someone get away with stuff like that?" Uthappa said on the Kim-Appa show with Jarrod Kimber.
"Now, imagine we put up a clip of something that an Australian did that was offensive, that was kept under wraps for the respect of that whole situation, to save the respect of that situation, which is an impulsive, bad decision that a human being made... Now that you have gone and interviewed someone, and you have got access to the file, do you think you have the right to publish it, put that into the world, and make those two people go through that whole emotion, that raw emotion, 20 years later?" he added.
Uthappa slammed the lack of empathy shown in reviving the slapgate saga, stressing mistakes shouldn't be repeatedly highlighted. He also questioned racial double standards in cricket, pointing out how non-brown players often escape scrutiny while Indians face prolonged embarrassment.
"Where is your sense of sensitivity and empathy for other people?" Uthappa asked. "We all make mistakes, but are we going to keep putting it out there to make people go through the embarrassment of the wrong choices the person has made? For me, it's guys who aren't brown skinned who get away with it a lot more. Today, we are speaking about Sunny G having an opinion on what other countries speak about Indian cricket. But what about this? Imagine the human implications of this... You can't treat people like crap just because it'll get you more views," he added.
