'After seven long years, it is a day to rejoice' - Sreesanth on getting early relief from ban

It has been seven long years now that one of India’s best fast bowlers back one time, Sreesanth, has been serving the strict ban imposed on him on accounts of spot-fixing. The pacer’s life ban for his alleged actions 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.

The SC has set it aside and ordered the Indian board to reconsider his ban and decide the length of the fresh ban. The ban period is supposedly ending on September 13, 2020. However, the pacer believes that he has got the nod to play from the month of September and stated that it’s a moment of complete joy in his life.

“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.

He further thanked his friends and family for sticking with him through all odds. He feels motivated and has promised to give his best once he steps on the field but for now, it is a time for some celebration after a long while.

I feel humbled and motivated: Sreesanth

“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.

The 36-year-old has been part of 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is scalping 87, 75 and seven wickets respectively. As per Tinu Yohannan, the former fast bowler who has worked as Kerala’s coach, the place from where Sreesanth hails, feels that he will have to touch the apt fitness to be considered for selection.

“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.