Chandigarh, First Published Dec 25, 2021, 12:39 PM IST
Chandigarh: Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from active cricket yesterday after revealing everything about the Monkeygate controversy during India’s 2008 tour of Australia. In an interview to PTI, Harbhajan Singh said that no one has heard of his side in the controversy and that the truth will always have two sides.
The controversy erupted during the Sydney Test of India’s tour of Australia in 2008. Harbhajan has been accused of racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds while batting. Australian captain Ricky Ponting then formally complained to umpires Steve Buckner and Mark Benson about Harbhajan. Australia has accused Symonds of calling Harbhajan a “monkey”.
The match referee called Harbhajan for evidence and the Indian players for Harbhajan and the Australian players for Symonds were present and India was preparing to boycott the series. Harbhajan was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
But Harbhajan is yet to comment publicly on the controversy. Harbhajan said everything that happened was unfortunate and that it was the worst time of his career. What happened in the Sydney Test was unfortunate. The events that led to it. I have not explained anything about it yet. But I know what the truth is. No one on my part has ever heard of what actually happened. But I will write about it openly in my forthcoming autobiography.
Harbhajan said there was no great loss or grief in his career but that his injury during the 2011 tour of England had adversely affected his career. At that time, if someone had supported me, maybe my career would have been different. But there is no sorrow in that. Because decision makers make decisions that they think are right. Harbhajan said he had nothing to say about it.
Last Updated Dec 25, 2021, 12:43 PM IST
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