S Sreesanth was out of action for seven long years now after serving the strict ban imposed on him on accounts of spot-fixing. The pacer’s life ban for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in the 2013 Indian Premier League has now been reduced by BCCI ombudsman Justice (Retd DK Jain) to seven years after the Supreme Court of India ordered so in the same process.
S Sreesanth’s place was about to be cemented when the selectors were looking up to him as a promising fast bowler, but he was involved in a spot-fixing scandal during the 6th edition of the IPL playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2013 which saw him banned for 7 years.
S Sreesanth. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
S Sreesanth Says The Day Of Rejoice Has Come As Ban Of 7 Years About To End
The SC has set it aside and ordered the Indian board to reconsider his ban and decide upon the length of the fresh ban. The ban period will supposedly end on September 13, 2020. But, the pacer is already celebrating as he believes that he has got the nod to play from the month of September.
“After seven long years, it is a day to rejoice. I can now officially start training and practice to play the matches. Thanks a lot for all the love and media I have been given. It meant a lot to me,” spoke Sreesanth over a phone call as quoted by BDcrcictime.
S Sreesanth. Image Credit: getty Images.
He further thanked his friends and family for helping him in distress. He feels motivated and has promised to give his best once he steps on the field again but for now, it is a time for some celebration after a hiatus of 7 long years.
“By God’s grace and lots of prayers of my family and dear ones, including media, I feel humbled and motivated. I will give my very best to every moment and keep at it,” the pacer concluded.
S Sreesanth made his debut for India in 2005/2006 but was involved in many controversies.
S Sreesanth Should Reach Fitness Before Consideration
The 36-year-old has been part of 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is scalpings 87, 75, and seven wickets respectively averaging over 30 in each format. According to Tinu Yohannan, the former fast bowler who has worked as Kerala’s coach, the hometown place from where S Sreesanth hails, feels that he will have to touch the apt fitness levels to be considered for selection again.
S Sreesanth (Image Credit: Google)
“Because of COVID-19, the ground facilities are not yet opened. He will be able to use the association facilities from September 21. That’s State government guidelines for all sports bodies,” the coach concluded.
His last IPL match came in May 2013 for his franchise Kings XI Punjab which was also his last competitive match before the ban was imposed. He had played 44 matches where he has picked up 40 wickets averaging 29.85.
