Will discuss Sreesanth ban issue in next meeting, says Vinod Rai

As the apex court has asked the Indian cricket board to reconsider the punishment that was handed over to pace bowler Sreesanth after the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, the CoA will take up the matter in the next meeting. CoA chairman Rai has clarified that he has got the information about the Supreme Court decision and is waiting to get the copy of the order. 

"Yes, I have heard about the Supreme Court order. We will need to get the copy of the order. We will definitely take up the issue at the COA meeting," CoA chief Vinod Rai said, reported PTI.

The committee will next meet on Monday to discuss the anti-doping policy of the BCCI with the world body and as per reports, the Sreesanth issue might also come up during that meeting. The decision is expected to be taken soon by the board as it has now got an ombudsman in Justice (Retd) DK Jain and an amicus curiae PS Narsimha.

"This is a Supreme Court order and obviously a call needs to be taken. I am confident that the issue will come up for serious deliberation at the next CoA meeting. As far as Sreesanth being brought back to mainstream cricket, I have no comment to make," BCCI acting president CK Khanna said.

Former BCCI vice-president and Kerala CA senior official TC Matthew has welcomed the apex court’s verdict but has opined that it will be not possible for the pacer to play first-class cricket.

"I am very happy for Sreesanth. He has lost six most precious years of his life. I don't think even if the ban is lifted he can play first-class cricket.

"But obviously if the BCCI lifts his ban after the SC verdict, he can have an alternate career in cricket, whatever that is. He can be a coach, mentor, may be take up professional umpiring, play club cricket in England.”