Harbhajan Singh opens up on the Monkeygate scandal

The cricketing world was rocked in 2008 by the infamous "Monkeygate" controversy during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which marked a low point in India-Australia cricketing relations. Accusations of racial abuse and the ensuing courtroom drama created a rift between Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and the late Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. However, years later, the animosity gave way to an unexpected friendship, fostered over a bottle of Bundaberg Rum at a friend’s house in Chandigarh during the Indian Premier League. The controversy erupted during the New Year’s Test in Sydney, one of the most contentious matches in cricketing history. Australian captain Ricky Ponting alleged that Harbhajan racially abused Symonds by calling him a “monkey.”

The claim triggered a heated fallout, with Harbhajan initially handed a three-match suspension. The decision caused a major uproar, with Indian players, led by then-captain Anil Kumble and veteran Sachin Tendulkar, strongly backing Harbhajan and denying the accusations. The Indian camp’s firm stance included a potential boycott of the series if the ban was not overturned. The issue escalated tensions between the two cricketing nations, testing the spirit of sportsmanship. Eventually, Harbhajan’s penalty was reduced, allowing the series to continue, but the incident left lasting scars.

“Anil Kumble (the then captain) and I took the lead and it was unanimously decided that we would boycott the tour if Bhajji’s ban was upheld. I want to state very clearly that the incident arose because Andrew Symonds had been continually trying to provoke Bhajji and it was inevitable that the two would have an altercation at some point. While walking up to Bhajji to try to calm things down, I heard him say ‘Teri maa ki’ (Your mother…) to Symonds. It is an expression we often use in north India to vent our anger and to me it was all part of the game,” Tendulkar wrote in ‘Playing It My Way’.

In 2011, the Indian Premier League (IPL) brought together Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds under the same banner when both cricketers joined the Mumbai Indians. Sharing a dressing room presented an opportunity for the two to address the lingering tension from the infamous "Monkeygate" controversy of 2008. Before they could collaborate effectively on the field, it was essential to confront and resolve their shared history. Harbhajan later reflected on how the incident, which initially sparked animosity, eventually laid the foundation for a remarkable friendship. Both players acknowledged the need to move past the episode, recognizing that time and perspective had softened its impact. Harbhajan admitted that the controversy could have been avoided or handled differently, emphasizing that emotions and misunderstandings had played a significant role in its escalation.

The IPL provided the perfect setting for reconciliation, as the camaraderie of the team environment encouraged open dialogue and mutual respect. Harbhajan and Symonds overcame their differences, developing a bond that transcended the boundaries of cricket. The former off-spinner described their friendship as a testament to the healing power of time and shared experiences, proving that even the most heated rivalries can transform into lasting relationships.

"The moment came at a friend’s house in Chandigarh where Symonds approached him with a bottle of Bundaberg Rum. We sat together for a long, long time and talked about it, and at the end of the conversation we had a long, long hug and the picture of the hug became very famous in our chat groups. I have written a very nice piece on him for my book which is a tribute I want to make with him and I will put that photo in," said Harbhajan Singh in a recent interview.