Kerala ready to consider Sreesanth for Ranji selection after ban ends in September

In 2018 the Kerala High Court had also revoked the BCCI decision to impose a life ban on him. But in 2019 the Supreme Court upheld his guilt but asked the BCCI to reduce his quantum of punishment.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has decided to consider controversial fast bowler S Sreesanth for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season after he completes his seven-year ban in September 2020. The consideration though will be dependent on the paceman clearing fitness trials, according to Kerala coach and former India bowler Tinu Yohanan.

If considered, Sreesanth could have a chance of playing first-class cricket for the first time since 2013. In May 2013 Delhi police had arrested Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals team mates, Ajit Chandilia and Ankit Chavan, on charges of spot- fixing. The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) had imposed a life ban on him. Later he fought a long battle. In 2015 a special court in Delhi had acquitted him of all charges.

In 2018 the Kerala High Court had also revoked the BCCI decision to impose a life ban on him. But in 2019 the Supreme Court upheld his guilt but asked the BCCI to reduce his quantum of punishment. Later the BCCI had reduced his life ban to seven years which will end in September 2020.

“I am really indebted to the KCA for giving me a chance. I will prove my fitness and storm back to the game. It is time for all controversies to take rest,” Sreesanth said in Kochi. Recently KCA had appointed former fast bowler Tinu Yohanan as the team coach. KCA secretary Sreejith Nair said his comeback will be an asset to the state team.

“KCA is ready to welcome back Sreesanth. He will have to clear the fitness test to get into the camp. He’s an experienced bowler for sure,” Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Sajan K Varghese was quoted as saying by onmanorama.com.

Kochi-based Sreesanth, notorious for his on- field pranks, took 87 wickets in 27 tests and 75 wickets in one-day internationals. He was also a member of the World Cup cricket winning team in 2011. Spinner Harbhajan Singh had once slapped him after one of the matches of the Indian Premier League. The swing bowler also had a small innings in politics in last assembly election. He was the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency and lost to Congress candidate V S Shivakumar.