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Sreesanth ban: BCCI likely to challenge HC order

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The BCCI is likely to appeal Kerala High Court's order lifting the life ban imposed on former India medium pacer S. Sreesanth for his alleged involvement in the IPL spot fixing scandal in 2013. A senior BCCI official, closely following the various developments related to Sreesanth, confirmed this; he said that talks had already started. "The board, in all likelihood, will appeal before the apex court. As long as the appeal is present before court, he cannot play."

The cricketer, along with Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandela, was acquitted by a trial court in Delhi. But the BCCI did not lift the life ban imposed on him. The charges against him were dropped on grounds of lack of sufficient evidence. However, the BCCI maintained that its disciplinary action would remain unaltered. 

The Committee of Administrators is scheduled to meet in New Delhi on August 8 and 9. The future course of action will also be discussed. 

The Delhi police has appealed against the trio's acquittal in the Delhi High Court. According to the BCCI official, "As long as the appeal is still pending before the Delhi High Court, Sreesanth cannot play for country or state.”

In any case, the view within BCCI is largely that Sreesanth's chances of playing for the national team are already over. The team has moved on and he is unlikely to don national colours any time soon. If he wants to play domestic cricket, then, as long as appeals are pending against his exoneration, selection to the Ranji Trophy side is not likely to happen. 

Sreesanth has been focusing on a more public role after his ban from cricket. Last year, he contested Kerala state assembly elections on a BJP ticket from Thiruvananthapuram. He lost to V. Sivakumar of Congress by 11,710 votes.  

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Topics : #BCCI

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