Sreesanth life ban to remain: BCCI tells Kerala HC

BCCI seems rigid on the life ban imposed on former Indian speedster Shanthakumaran Sreesanth. The apex body of Board of Control for Cricket in India perturbed the Kerela pacer after announcing that life ban would not be lifted anytime soon.

Sreesanth was banned from playing cricket for life after allegations of spot-fixing loomed over IPL in 2013. Sreesanth, along with Ankit Chavan and Ajit Chandila, was arrested by Delhi Police on account of spot-fixing. The team principal of Chennai Superkings, Gurunath Meiyyapan, along with Vindoo Dara Singh, was arrested due to alleged links with bookies and illegal betting case.

As a result of substantial evidence against the fast-bowler who was playing for Rajasthan Royals at that point of time, a life ban was imposed on the Keralite for playing competitive cricket in the country. Cut to 2017, Sreesanth appealed against his ban at a Delhi Court by submitting a review petition in view of lifting his life ban.

BCCI’s letter on behalf of CEO Rahul Johri reprimanded Sreesanth of exoneration from his life ban. The Board stated that indiscipline of such degree is not tolerated within the norms of the institution and the ban will not be lifted any time soon. Sreesanth appealed to Delhi Court following advice from the Kerala Court.

The 34- year old former Indian International has been a part of Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Kings XI Punjab before he was bought by the Royals. Sreesanth has represented his country in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is. He has cumulatively taken as many as 169 wickets across all formats. He was also a part of the World Cup winnings sides of 2007 and 2011. But his progression into the international stage was halted by the spot-fixing scandal as Arun Jaitley, who headed the disciplinary committee slapped a life ban on the bowler. He was also imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in 2013.