Tainted Indian pacer welcomed BCCI’s move to reduce his suspension from cricket from life-ban to seven years. The former Indian international was banned from all forms of cricket for alleged spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League in 2013. Sreesanth’s ban will now end in August next year allowing the cricketer to take part in any cricketing activities in the near future. “God has been extremely kind,” said Sreesanth now 36-year-old, after the decision to reduce his ban was announced by BCCI Ombudsman D K Jain. Sreesanth Life Ban Reduced to Seven Years by BCCI Ombudsman.

Sreesanth along with fellow cricketers Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were handed life-term bans by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for indulging in spot-fixing and allegedly trying to influence a match during the fifth season of IPL. The trio were representing Rajasthan Royals – captained by Rahul Dravid – that season and had allegedly tried to fix an IPL game against the Kings XI Punjab. Sreesanth was accused of accepting Rs 10 lakh for conceding 14 runs in his second over during the RR vs KXIP at Mohali on September 9, 2013.

Sreesanth Targets Team India Return

The Supreme Court had, however, set aside the order from BCCI’s disciplinary committee and asked BCCI Ombudsman Justice (retd) D.K. Jain to decide on the quantum of punishment keeping in mind the years Sreesanth has already served his ban. “I am of the view that banning Mr Sreesanth from participating in any kind of commercial Cricket or from associating with any activities of the BCCI or its affiliates, for a period of seven years with effect from 13.09.2013, i.e. the date from which, the period of ban imposed by the Disciplinary Committee had commenced, will meet the ends of justice," said Jain in his order.

“It was a struggling phase,” Sreesanth told news agency ANI, recalling BCCI’s order that banned him for life. “Thank you to each & every individual who supported me. Thanks to BCCI, Supreme Court, Ombudsman DK Jain, for giving me an opportunity from next year.

“I have a proper roadmap now. I will follow that and not disappoint any of my fans or people who supported me. I will make sure I train really hard and make a comeback not just for Kerala cricket team but in the list of cricketers who play for the country.”

He was just the second Keralite to represent India in international cricket and played in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals for India, claiming 169 wickets in all. His last appearance for the men in blue came in 2011.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2019 09:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).