Discarded fast-bowler S Sreesanth is all set to defy the ban imposed on him by the BCCI after he was found guilty of being involved in a spot-fixing in 2013.
The 34-year-old, who along with Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan was banned for life by the BCCI’s disciplinary committee in September 2013, was cleared of all charges by a Delhi trial court in 2015 due to insufficient evidence. However, the BCCI has not lifted its ban since their decision was independent to any criminal proceeding and was based on its independent disciplinary action.
But the bowler is still harbouring his hopes of returning to cricket field and is now ready to go against the cricket board to fulfill his dream. After failing to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the BCCI to play for the Scotland-based Glenrothes Cricket Club, the Kerela first bowler is now planning to play a first division two-day league match for the Ernakulam Cricket Club on February 19.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said:
“When there is no official letter stating my life ban then why will the umpires stop me from playing? There have been no emails, courier or anything which states that I am banned from playing cricket. Not even my state or district associations have received any letter with regards to this from the BCCI.
“All that I have received is a suspension letter when I was in Tihar jail. A suspension letter is valid only for 90 days. The BCCI has announced about my life ban only in the media. There is no official correspondence till date. I was stupid to have not played cricket for this long. It is only now I realised that what the hell I was doing,” he added.
Meanwhile, a senior BCCI official said the club too could be banned if they let the banned player feature for them.
But Sreesanth said his team is excited on the prospect of having him in the playing squad.
“They are excited to see me on the field. Although there is no ban, my lawyers are preparing proper documentation so that there is no confusion at the ground. If they stop me from playing, I would want a letter stating about my ban. If that’s not the case, then I will play. Let there be a controversy. They (BCCI) can’t ban my club as there is no letter to state that you can’t play Sreesanth. There is nothing to this effect,” he said.
The speedster is also hoping to leave for Scotland soon if everything goes according to the plan.
“If I get to play on February 19, I will be on the next flight to Scotland for Glenrothens. I only have four to five years of cricket left in me and I want to make full use of it.“The way I have been ill-treated is probably even worse than a terrorist. Those who have been found guilty of corrupt practices have been encouraged to play again by the ICC. Whereas I am not even found guilty but I still have to go through this hell. I want my respect back which I earned through cricket,” Sreesanth concluded.