Just when everyone thought that the Indian Premier League had provided the healing touch to the bitter on-field acrimonies among players of different nationalities, the banter has been hit by an unprecedented incident. It is alleged that moments after the Mohali team won their first match in the league, Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh reportedly slapped his IPL rival and team India mate, Kings XI Punjab team’s fast bowler S Sreesanth, reducing the latter to tears.

The brawl apparently took following an argument that took place during the match.Eyewitness to the ugly incident said that after the match, when a smiling Sreesanth walked up to Harbhajan and said “Hard luck”, the fiery sikh lost his cool and hit Sreesanth under the eye.At the post match press conference, Harbhajan Singh refused to answer questions on the incident at the post-match press conference. “Can we have questions on just cricket,” he said.His opposite number, Kings XI captain Yuvraj Singh was however forthcoming in his views, terming the incident ‘unacceptable’. “This is really an ugly incident,” Yuvraj said, “this is totally unacceptable.” He added, though, that Harbhajan had visited the dressing-room after the match and apologised to Sreesanth.Apology notwithstanding, it remains to be seen how the IPL will handle it as a disciplinary issue.Later Sreesanth told reporters at the stadium that “nothing serious happened” and that he and Harbhajan were ‘still part of the national team’.

IS Bindra, the president of the Punjab Cricket Association, denied that an official complaint has been lodged. “Some media people have asked me about this incident. No official complaint has reached me yet. I believe what happens on the field should be sorted out by the players on the field itself,” he said.

On-field relations between Harbhajan and Sreesanth appeared strained during the India-South Africa Test series as well. Sreesanth had dropped Hashim Amla off Harbhajan during the Chennai Test to which Harbhajan reacted with displeasure after which he was seen motioning towards Sreesanth after making a diving save at point.

This is the second time in the last six months that Harbhajan has been at the centre of controversy. Earlier this year the Australians accused him of racially abusing Andrew Symonds during the Test series Down Under.Nes Wadia, the owner of Mohali King’s XI Punjab refused to comment on the matter.The matches referee’s statement is expected later in the day.

Source :cricket.zeenews.com