The Supreme Court on Friday abolished the life-ban imposed on Shantakumran Sreesanth for match-fixing. However, the paceman wasn’t cleared yet and fell just short of acquaintance. The court further stated that the long-running case gave the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) three months to reconsider his punishment.
The 36-year-old fast bowler was arrested for illegal betting and spot-fixing during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League along with teammates Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila. He was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad during that edition of the tournament. Police further launched legal procedures against several officials of Rajasthan. The franchise was later banned from the tournament for a couple of years along with Chennai Super Kings.
Supreme Court has lifted the life ban on Shantakumaran Sreesanth
Sreesanth was released on bail. He will face separate criminal proceedings in the Delhi High Court. Sreesanth expressed delight on the life ban being lifted from him. “The life ban has been lifted and that’s a big thing,” Sreesanth said after the ruling.
“The court has given me a huge lifeline and I am happy with the opportunity given to me,” said the bowler who was 13 short of 100 Test wickets when he was banned. There are so many leagues happening all around the country and cricket is my bread and butter. To take care of my family, I need cricket back.”
Meanwhile, the lawyer of Sreesanth said that there hasn’t been any specific evidence to proveat the fast bowler underperformed in return for cash from the bookmakers. The owners of the Rajasthan Royals along with the franchise was barred from taking part in the competition for a couple of years. Sreesanth’s lawyer said that it was totally unfair to impose a life ban on Sreesanth.
“The team (Rajasthan Royals) and its owners were banned for two years only. It is completely unfair that a life ban was imposed on him (Sreesanth),” his lawyer Salman Khurshid was quoted as saying by the local media.
IPL has been one of the finest T20 tournaments all across the globe. However, the tournament has often been marred by corruption allegations. Meanwhile, BCCI said that they respect the decision of the court and will take up Sreesanth’s case in the next meeting.