Indian cricketer, Shantakumaran Sreesanth in what could be termed as a ‘bolt from the blue’ on Wednesday (January 31), revealed to the Supreme Court that he had confessed his folly for his alleged involvement in the 2013 Indian Premier League’s (IPL) spot-fixing saga only to avoid the police wrath.
Following regular quizzing, the 34-year-old speedster Sreesanth reiterated he accepted the mistake before Delhi Police’s Special Cell which was overseeing the case.
Recently, Sreesanth said there is no involvement of his in the fixing scandal. He added the bookmaker has approached him for maligning the game.
Pertinently, Sreesanth has revealed it to the two-member bench of Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice KM Joseph.
Senior counsel reveals the telephonic conversation:
To back his revelations, Sreesanth’s senior counsel Salman Khurshid further read out the transcription of the assumed telephonic exchange including bookie in Malayalam.
Also, the apex body has sought a reply from the Committee of Administrators (CoA) following the filing of additional documents from the bowler who’s facing a life-ban.
Sreesanth’s lawyer Khurshid reiterated that other players have used a towel during the match and so did Sreesanth.
However, back then, the bowler hadn’t informed the board about the approaches from a bookie which stands against the rules and regulations of the Board in particular.
Last year on May 15, Sreesanth sought an immediate relaxation to return to the cricket field. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a stern action which further left Sreesanth high and dry.
In such a procedure, Sreesanth initially thought of featuring in the English county cricket. But that did not go according to the plan as apex cricket board has denied the request.
IPL Spot-fixing 2013: Ban imposed in 2013
Earlier, in February 2018, the Kerala-based pacer has knocked the apex body’s door. He challenged the decision of Kerala High Court for restoring life ban on him.
Interestingly, the BCCI imposed a ban in 2013. Thus, police arrested Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandela on the pretext of the IPL spot-fixing saga. The saga unfolded during the sixth edition of the domestic professional league.
Back then, the trio represented the Jaipur-based IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
The franchise remained defunct for two years. It included Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the ninth and tenth edition of the cash-rich league respectively.