Sreesanth spot-fixing ban to end in August 2020

The BCCI had banned Sreesanth for life in 2013, as well as two of his then-Rajasthan Royals teammates, for their part in a spot-fixing incident in that year’s Indian Premier League

Former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth has had his ban for spot-fixing reduced, meaning that the 36-year-old will be permitted to resume his cricket career in August 2020.

The BCCI had banned Sreesanth for life in 2013, as well as two of his then-Rajasthan Royals teammates, for their part in a spot-fixing incident in that year’s Indian Premier League.

Ombudsman D K Jain, however, has ordered that the ban become a seven-year suspension, with Sreesanth’s best years as a professional cricketer now well behind him.

“For Mr Sreesanth, who is now in his late thirties, his prime years as a cricketer, particularly as a fast bowler may already be over,” Jain stated.

“I am of the view that banning Mr Sreesanth from participating in any kind of commercial cricket or from associating with any activities of the BCCI or its affiliates, for a period of seven years with effect from 13.09.2013, i.e. the date from which, the period of ban imposed by the Disciplinary Committee had commenced, will meet the ends of justice.”

In February, the BCCI had told a court that Sreesanth’s life-ban punishment was in keeping with his actions – “sustainable in law” as the bowler had “attempted to influence” a match.

Sreesanth has always maintained his innocence against the charge. He took 87 wickets in 27 Tests for India.

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