Why punish innocent players? State boards will appeal to BCCI to reinstate Sreesanth, Ankeet

After going through a tough period over the last couple of years, it seems as if good times are back for cricketers S Sreesanth and Ankit Chavan. In a huge relief to the two cricketers along with 36 accused in the IPL-6 Spot-fixing case, the Delhi court, on Saturday, acquitted them for of lack of evidence in charges framed by the Delhi police. Now, it seems, their state associations want them back as soon as possible.

A report in Mumbai Mirror says that The Kerala cricket Association and Mumbai Cricket association will appeal to the BCCI to lift the ban immediately.

“Since he (Sreesanth) has been exonerated by the court and all charges have been dropped, we will request the BCCI to lift the life ban so that he can return to active cricket,” TC Matthews, the secretary of Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) told Mirror. “I will write to BCCI president and secretary straightaway. We want Sreesanth back.”

Soon after the court discharged Sreesanth, Ankeet and Chandile, the BCCI came out with a statement saying they have decided to stick to its ban on the three cricketers for the time being.

“Any disciplinary proceeding or decision taken by the BCCI is independent to any criminal proceeding and has no bearing. The decisions of the BCCI, based on its independent disciplinary action, shall remain unaltered,” BCCI said

MCA joint secretary PV Shetty, however, echoed Matthews’ views. “If a player has been found innocent, why should he be punished?” Shetty who was happy that Ankeet, an MCA player, was proved innocent, told Mirror. He also said that he will take up the matter with BCCI for further course of action.

Yesterday, an emotional Sreesanth had said that he was desperate to make a comeback to the Indian team after two years of ignominy.

“I am feeling very happy at the moment and hope that I start training soon. I hope to get permission from the BCCI to start using the training facilities soon, so that I can get fit and get into the selection process. God has been extremely kind,” a visibly drained Sreesanth told reporters outside the court.

“I am born to play cricket. I am a cricketer first. BCCI has been very supportive all through. TC Mathew Sir in Kerala had told me that you finish this and we will take it from there. The worst that can happen to a cricketer is to stay behind the National Stadium and not be able to use it. I went through a lot of things but it is in the past now. I would love to be able to run there. I just couldn’t control my tears,” he added.

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