18 months ago, the 39-year-old had made a return to first-class cricket after serving a fixing ban.
Disgraced Indian bowler S Sreesanth has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian domestic cricket. Part of both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning sides, he hung up his boots after a near 20-year career. The player represented India in 90 international games across all formats, ends his career with 169 wickets.
The announcement comes at a slightly surprising time, as the pacer had only recently made a return to domestic cricket, and had also represented Kerala in their T20 games in the 2021 season. However, Sreesanth, who had hoped to bag an Indian Premier League contract, was disappointed after being ignored for two straight seasons, not even being auctioned, after returning in late 2020.
Sreesanth was involved in a spot-fixing scandal in the 2013 IPL season and was part of the three Rajasthan Royals players who were punished for their involvement, along with Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. He was handed a life ban by the BCCI for his role in the scandal, but that decision was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2019, which reduced his sentence to seven years.
Sreesanth took to Twitter to let his fans know about his decision to call time on his career.
“With much sadness but without regret, I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the Indian domestic (first-class and all formats) cricket. For the next generation of cricketers.I have chosen to end my first-class cricket career.
This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honourable action to take at this time in my life.”
Sreesanth’s talent as a youngster was undeniable, famously knocking over the great Sachin Tendulkar in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. He took the winning catch of the 2007 T20 World Cup and was also part of the winning Indian squad in the 2011 World Cup, an achievement that only few can brag about.
However, after his disgraced exit from the game, Sreesanth pursued a career in the entertainment industry, appearing on a few TV shows and regional films. He also fought the Assembly elections in Kerala but suffered defeat in 2016.
“During my 25 years career as cricket player, I’ve always pursued success and winning cricket games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.
It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of India.”
Sreesanth concluded.
