SC seeks BCCI's response on Sreesanth's plea against life ban
In a major relief to cricketer S Sreesanth, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to BCCI, seeking response on the plea filed by Sreesanth challenging the life ban imposed on him by the apex body. SC asked BCCI to file the response within four-weeks. Sreesanth was accused of spot-fixing during 2013 IPL and has been in a constant battle with BCCI since then.
Sreesanth appealed to SC after BCCI refused to lift ban
BCCI had imposed a life ban on Sreesanth despite the Delhi court clearing him of any wrongdoing. Sreesanth challenged this in the Kerala High Court, which asked BCCI to overturn his ban in Aug'17. However, in Oct'17, the High Court's divisional bench quashed the previous order and re-imposed the ban. Sreesanth finally appealed in the Supreme Court, which heard the proceedings on February 5.
Sreesanth was accused of spot-fixing in IPL
36 people were accused in the spot-fixing case including Sreesanth and former Rajasthan Royals players, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila. Patiala House Court let them go after lack of evidence in 2015. But since Sreesanth had allegedly admitted to fixing in the IPL, the BCCI didn't want to associate with the former Indian cricketer and imposed a life ban on him.
Sreesanth was a part of India's World Cup winning squad
Sreesanth was a key member of the Indian cricket team before the spot-fixing scandal took place. The pacer has played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India. He was also a part of India's World Cup winning squad in 2011. Sreesanth has always been a controversial figure in Indian cricket, both on and off the field.
What next for Sreesanth?
The Supreme Court has given the BCCI 4 weeks to respond to Sreesanth's plea. Sreesanth, who turns 35 tomorrow, is unlikely to make a comeback to the national team, but if the BCCI is forced to overturn his ban, he could return to domestic cricket. But will these 4 weeks be enough to end his long-standing battle is something that remains to be seen.
