My dream is to play the 2019 World Cup for India, says Sreesanth
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Forgotten Indian fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth isn’t giving up on his cricketing career just yet as the 34-year-old eyes a distant shot of breaking into India’s 2019 World Cup squad. He hopes to get the right kind of support from KCA and BCCI as he eyes a return to the international circuit.
The boy from Kothamangalam, Kerala, has surely been one of the most colourful characters in Indian cricket’s history. The expressive fast bowler has tried his hand in different things like politics and movies after being banned from cricketing activities. However, he knows what the world has known him for and he is eyeing a return to the field yet again.
Following Kerala High Court’s order on Monday to lift the ban that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had imposed on him back in 2013 after spot-fixing allegations in IPL, the 34-year-old has expressed his desire to fight for a place in India’s 2019 World Cup squad.
In an interview with Times of India, Sreesanth said, “It will always be harder. My dream is to play 2019 World Cup for India. But I know it is next to impossible and it would be a miracle if I play in that World Cup. But I have always believed that miracles can happen.”
The bowler has always stated that he was wrongly accused of it. “Even the biggest of criminals don't go through what I or my family went through. A small incident was portrayed in the wrong way in front of the world. Maybe that's how the world works, I don't know,” said he.
He remains confident of making a comeback to the top level and is waiting for the board to give a signal. “Even people who have been found guilty by courts (Mohammad Amir) have gone on to play global events like the World T20 and Champions Trophy because of the support from ICC and their association. The support from BCCI and KCA is very important. I am waiting for the green signal from the BCCI and KCA so that I can start practising again.”
Even if BCCI lifts the ban, a return for him at the international circuit would be very difficult. India
However, Sreesanth remains optimistic as ever. “There might be stiff competition for fast bowlers' spot now. But there was competition even when I made my way into the team. I have always felt that competition gets the best out of me. I just hope that I can do justice to my talent on my comeback,” he added.
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