What’s the story?
Tainted Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth’s intentions of making a comeback into the game received a big jolt when the Board of Control for Cricket in India reiterating that the life ban imposed on him will stay.
The letter drafted by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri clearly drives home the point that the Indian board is in no mood to relent on its stance and that this step would ensure that discipline is maintained and there is nothing to change in their September 2013 decision of imposing a life ban on the Kerala bowler.
The Details
Earlier Sreesanth had submitted a review petition seeking the lifting of the life ban after he was exonerated of the match-fixing charges by a Delhi court. The BCCI, in turn, issued this statement in which there is no glimmer of hope for the bowler.
Also, the letter mentions that this decision to impose the ban was taken by a committee which comprised BCCI vice president T.C. Mathew -- who was also the then Kerala Cricket Association President -- and KCA secretary T.N. Ananthanarayanan.
The 34-year old pacer has been trying to make a comeback into the game and he even approached the Kerala High Court in March after the Delhi court quashed the spot-fixing case. The Kerala Court asked him to file a review petition before the BCCI and this response by the BCCI is sure to be a dead end for him.
In case you didn’t know...
Sreesanth was alleged of spot-fixing back in 2013 and was even arrested and had to spend time behind bars at the Tihar Jail.
The mercurial bowler was suspended by the BCCI in May 2013 following his arrest from Mumbai. Also, other Rajasthan Royals players in Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were picked up from the team hotel.
What's next?
As the BCCI is not willing to concede ground it is back to square 1 for the bowler as, despite his plea which said that he deserves to be acquitted as Delhi court has absolved him of all charges, the BCCI is not blinking.
As of now, the pacer cannot play even league cricket and will not be eligible to enter or use any practice facilities in any BCCI-affiliated ground anywhere in the country.
Author's Take
The BCCI’s stance on this issue has to be appreciated as it wants to set a precedent for the future and also a tough stance on corruption will go a long way in eradicating the menace from the game.
Sreesanth on his part can take the help of the courts but he is now 34 and considering the BCCI is no mood to relent it already looks that it is a lost battle.
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