Sreesanth, a fast bowler from Kerala, was once a rising star in Indian cricket. Known for his quick bowling and dramatic celebrations, he played for India in all formats of the game.
However, his career came to a sudden halt in 2013 when he was banned from cricket. This ban, which shocked fans and fellow players alike, was the result of a spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
But what exactly happened, and why did Sreesanth get banned from playing? Let’s revisit the events that led to this controversial decision and its impact on his career.
The 2013 IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal
On May 16, 2013, the cricketing world was stunned as Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, on charges of spot-fixing.
The allegations centered around a match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, where Sreesanth was accused of deliberately bowling a poor over in exchange for money.
The investigation revealed a complex web of bookies, middlemen, and players. Delhi Police claimed to have intercepted phone conversations between bookies and players, discussing predetermined signals and monetary transactions.
The most damning piece of evidence against Sreesanth was an alleged phone call where he purportedly asked about receiving money for conceding runs in a specific over.
Timeline of Events When Sreesanth Got Banned
Here’s how the whole incident unfolded:
- May 16, 2013: Sreesanth was arrested by the Delhi Police
- September 13, 2013: BCCI imposes a life ban on Sreesanth
- July 25, 2015: Delhi court drops all charges against Sreesanth
- October 18, 2017: Kerala High Court restores life ban
- March 15, 2019: Supreme Court sets aside life ban, asks BCCI to reconsider punishment
- August 20, 2019: BCCI reduces ban to 7 years, ending on September 13, 2020
Sreesanth’s Defense And Legal Battle
From the outset, Sreesanth vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He maintained that he was a victim of circumstances and false accusations.
His defense hinged on several key points:
- The towel signal: Sreesanth argued that tucking a towel in his trousers was a common practice for him and not a predetermined signal for fixers.
- Performance context: He emphasized that he was making a comeback after an injury and had no reason to jeopardize his career.
- Lack of direct evidence: Sreesanth’s legal team questioned the reliability of the phone recordings and the absence of any money trail directly linking him to bookies.
The cricketer embarked on a lengthy legal battle to clear his name. His case moved through various courts, including the Delhi High Court and eventually the Supreme Court of India.
What Was The Outcome of Sreesanth’s Ban?
Despite the criminal charges being dropped, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a life ban on Sreesanth in September 2013. This decision effectively ended his professional cricket career at the age of 30.
The ban had far-reaching consequences for Sreesanth:
- Loss of livelihood: Unable to play domestic or international cricket, Sreesanth lost his primary source of income.
- Reputation damage: The scandal tarnished his image, leading to a loss of endorsements and public goodwill.
- Mental toll: Sreesanth spoke openly about the emotional and psychological impact of the ban.
Sreesanth’s Post-Ban Journey
Following the ban, Sreesanth explored various avenues to stay in the public eye and earn a living. He ventured into politics, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2016 and even contesting in the Kerala Assembly elections. He also tried his hand at acting, appearing in several films and reality TV shows.
Throughout this period, Sreesanth never gave up on his dream of returning to cricket. He continued to train and maintain his fitness, hoping for a chance to prove his innocence and make a comeback.
His persistence paid off when the Supreme Court set aside the life ban in 2019, directing the BCCI to reconsider the punishment. Subsequently, the BCCI reduced the ban to seven years, making Sreesanth eligible to play from September 2020.
Sreesanths Selection For Ranji Cricket After Ban
Since the lifting of his ban, Sreesanth has been working tirelessly to revive his cricket career. He was selected for Kerala’s Ranji Trophy squad in 2021, marking his return to competitive cricket after eight years.
While he may not have regained his former glory, his determination to overcome adversity has earned him respect from many quarters.
Playing The Legends League Cricket
Sreesanth’s participation in the Legends League Cricket 2022 marks a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. After serving a seven-year ban, Sreesanth was eager to return to competitive cricket. The Legends League provided him with that opportunity.
The tournament, featuring retired international cricketers, selected Sreesanth for the Bhilwara Kings team. This selection came after Sreesanth’s brief return to domestic cricket for Kerala in 2021. Despite being 39 years old, Sreesanth has shown he still possesses the skill and passion for the game.
His standout performance came against the Gujarat Giants, where he took 3 wickets for 36 runs, playing a crucial role in his team’s 57-run victory.
Currently, Sreesanth plays for Gujarat Greats in the Legends League Cricket alongside, Shikhar Dhawan, Chris Gayle, and Mohammad Kaif.
Commentary Panel Selection For IPL
Sreesanth, the former Indian cricketer, began a new chapter in his career as a TV commentator for the 2023 Indian Premier League on Star Sports. He joined a star-studded panel of international and Indian cricket experts, including World Cup winners and IPL champions.
This marked Sreesanth’s debut in sports broadcasting, adding his unique perspective to the coverage.
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Conclusion: Sreesanth Was Banned From Playing Till 2020
The Sreesanth IPL ban saga remains one of the most controversial episodes in Indian cricket history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of sports corruption while raising questions about the balance between punitive action and natural justice.
As Sreesanth continues his quest for redemption, his story underscores the resilience of the human spirit. Whether he can fully rehabilitate his image and leave a positive legacy in cricket remains to be seen.
Regardless, his journey from a promising fast bowler to a banned player and back to the cricket field will long be remembered as a complex and compelling chapter in the history of Indian cricket.
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