BCCI lifts Ankeet Chavan’s life ban, allowed to play competitive cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted Mumbai cricketer Ankeet Chavan’s life ban. The now 35-year-old was suspended from playing all forms of cricket after the spot-fixing scandal in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL). Along with him, S Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila were also meted out with the same punishment. All three were part of the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR).

On Tuesday, June 15, BCCI’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hemang Amin informed the Mumbai spinner that his life ban has been reduced to seven years going by the BCCI ethics officer’s directives and the court. The development means that his sentence ended last September itself.

Ankeet Chavan’s career gets lease of life

After the news, Chavan’s joy knew no bounds and he was delighted by the prospects of him being a part of cricket again. He expressed gratitude to the BCCI and Mumbai cricket as well.

“I cannot say how much I am relieved. I can’t wait to be back in the ground. I thank the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association for their help,” Chavan was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

“Once the restrictions are lifted, I will hit the ground and will play. Whether or not I can get back into the Mumbai team, I want to continue playing and I will do that. The process will take care of the rest,” he added.

Last year, after the Supreme Court’s order, the BCCI also reduced Sreesanth’s life ban to seven years. Sreesanth made a comeback for Kerala in the domestic formats. He also registered himself for the 2021 IPL auction but didn’t find a buyer.

Ever since then, Chavan was trying his best to get his ban reduced as well. The tweaker reckoned that the BCCI and MCA should follow the same rules as they did in Sreesanth’s case. As per reports, he had written to the MCA, which decided to not intervene.

In his career, Chavan has played 18 first-class, 20 List A, and 26 T20 matches in which he has picked up 53, 18, and 19 wickets respectively. He also has two half-centuries and one ton at the domestic level. In the IPL, Chavan picked up eight wickets from 13 games.