The 'Monkeygate' controversy in the history of indian cricket has caused a stir. Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds was hailed by harbhajan singh as a 'monkey' during a Test match in Sydney in 2008. cricket australia has demanded that the term be dropped as a symbol of racism.
The umpires' decisions in the 2008 Sydney Test severely hurt the indian team. Team india had to suffer due to the non-implementation of DRS already.
Harbhajan Singh, who took 2 wickets in the first innings of the match, was impressed with 63 runs at-bat. Bhajji took 2 wickets in the second innings too.
However, harbhajan singh, who came to bat while Andrew Symonds was bowling, said something to the Aussie all-rounder who threatened him with his eyes.
Andrew Symonds accused harbhajan singh of calling him a 'monkey'. However, harbhajan singh said that he did not call himself a monkey ... he said 'our ... key'
Sachin Tendulkar, who was batting non-styling on the other side of harbhajan singh, intervened and said that he heard Harbhajan say 'our ... key' and supported him ...
The controversy and trial lasted for almost a few days. australia has fined harbhajan singh 50 per cent of his match fee and banned him for three matches for allegedly calling Symonds a 'monkey'.
However, under the captaincy of Anil Kumble, Team india has come out in support of harbhajan singh and warned that the Aussies' tour will be cancelled if the ban on Bhajji is not lifted.
The Australian team lifted the ban on harbhajan singh, citing Team India's demand. The match referee Mike Proctor also accused harbhajan singh of wrongdoing in the controversy.
Andrew Symonds, who scored 162 in the first innings and 61 in the second innings of the match ... took three wickets in the bowling and won the 'Man of the Match'.
The then Aussie captain Ricky Ponting commented that they were deeply disappointed by the Monkey Gate controversy and therefore lost the next few matches.
Andrew Symonds, who had been a star player until then, lost form after the Monkey Gate controversy. Deciding not to play in the IPL, he literally withdrew from cricket.
Harbhajan Singh, who retired from international cricket 13 years after the controversy erupted ... also spoke about the Monkey Gate controversy.
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