'I was looking forward to play' - Sreesanth reveals being denied a farewell match in Ranji Trophy 2021-22

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth has claimed that he asked Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for a farewell match but was denied. Sreesanth, who last played for Team India in 2011, recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game. It was reported that he wanted to feature in Kerala’s clash against Gujarat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021-22, which would have been his farewell game.

However, the team management refused to pick the 39-year-old fast bowler. It must be noted that the ongoing Ranji Trophy season marked Sreesanth’s comeback in First-Class cricket after nine years. He even featured in the side’s opening fixture against Meghalaya and took a couple of wickets. However, he was dropped for subsequent games.

I believe I deserved a farewell match: Sreesanth

The game against Gujarat would have been Sreesanth’s last in professional cricket and he expressed desire to participate in the fixture in the team meeting. But, as per the two-time World Cup winner, he was denied the opportunity.

“I was looking forward to playing the match against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy. In the team meeting ahead of the game, I had made it clear that it would be my last match for Kerala. I believe I deserved a farewell match,” the 39-year-old told Manorama after announcing his retirement.

Meanwhile, speaking about his future plans, the former pacer said he’s open to play franchise cricket but wants to focus more on his showbiz career. “I am open to playing franchise-based leagues across the world. I have received some coaching offers too. Also, I want to focus on my film career. My first movie in Tamil will hit the screens in April. I have already acted in a Kannada movie called Kempegowda 2,” said the former speedster.

Meanwhile, Sreesanth’s cricket journey has been nothing but a rollercoaster. Making his debut in October 2005, the Kerala-born star bowled some memorable spells in the international arena and was also the part of India’s triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup. However, an alleged involvement in spot-fixing in IPL 2013 earned him a ban which was subsequently uplifted in 2019. He then played a handful of games before bringing down curtains to his career.