HC lifts Sreesanth life ban, but ball in BCCI court
Mercurial former India paceman S Sreesanth was granted a major boost by the Kerala high court on Monday, when it ordered the Indian cricket board to overturn a life ban imposed on him for alleged spot fixing. But the return to the cricket field of the fast bowler, now 34, still remains uncertain.
Sreesanth had been handed the ban by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2013 after a major controversy erupted during the Indian Premier League’s sixth season, in which he allegedly fulfilled a promise to bookmakers in exchange for money.
The Delhi police had earlier arrested Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates, Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chavan for fixing. All three players denied any wrongdoing.
“He was acquitted in the case. Then how can the BCCI impose a ban on him? It is denial of natural justice,” the high court observed while revoking Sreesanth’s ban on Monday. In 2015, a Delhi sessions court had ruled in the bowler’s favour, exonerating him of the fixing charges. The BCCI, however, had continued with the ban. “Having suffered a ban now almost for four years, nothing further is required in this matter,” the court said, adding, “It must be remembered that in every disciplinary action related to a player of national repute, the player suffers his repute and confidence which he built through hard work.”
After the verdict, Sreesanth said his first priority was to get into the Kerala team. He said he was physically fit and looking to hit the ground soon. “Many people supported me in thick and thin. They stood with me. I am really indebted to them and I will not let them down,” he told reporters in Kochi.
The Indian board said it will review the order. BCCI’s acting president CK Khanna said: “The judgment has come today. The BCCI’s legal team will study the judgement and give its observations. Obviously, their feedback will be taken and placed at an appropriate forum.”
BCCI vice-president TC Mathew, who is from Kerala, however, said he was of the view that the cricket body should not go for an appeal in a higher court.
During the proceedings, the BCCI had said: “The decision of the sessions court to acquit Sreesanth from criminal charges has no impact on the decision of the internal disciplinary committee of the BCCI to ban him from playing cricket tournaments organised by the BCCI or its affiliates.”
The Kerala Cricket Association lauded the verdict. “He’s our own player and we supported him all along. We will take a positive decision soon,” said KCA president Vinod Kumar.
Sreesanth has taken 87 wickets in 27 Tests and 75 wickets in oneday internationals. He was part of the India teams that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50 over World Cup in 2011. Sreesanth was one of India’s key strike bowlers, playing an important part in Test victories overseas, most notably in against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006 and Cape Town in 2011.
Out of action for the last four years, Sreesanth was active in films and politics. In last assembly elections, he was the BJP’s candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency and lost to Congress candidate VS Shivakumar. His multi-lingual film “Team 5” was released last week.