S Sreesanth's father-in-law says BCCI has done injustice to his son-in-law's career

Father-in-law of inked fast bowler S Sreesanth, Hirendra Singh Shekhawat said that the life ban imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on his son-in-law is totally unfair and by all means, the family will challenge it in the Supreme Court.

Without naming anyone, he said that it is his moral responsibility to support Sreesanth in the hour of crisis. The fast bowler was slapped with a life ban by the BCCI in 2015 for being involved in spot-fixing a match in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for Rajasthan Royals. The lifetime ban came as a blow to the 34-year-old fast bowler who was planning to play Ranji trophy for Kerala.

“The cricketer is under tremendous pressure and has all faith in the system but due to corrupt practices in cricket by decision makers, talented cricketers from small places are always suppressed,” Shekhawat said.

He further mentioned that it is the failure of Indian system to nullify corrupt practices in the country which eroded many cricketers’ promising career. He said that if it is proved that Sreesanth was involved in spot-fixing then he deserves such kind treatment. In 2018, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will back in the fold after serving two years suspension as their officials were involved in spot-fixing.

Recently, Sreesanth was seen on screen in a movie. At the same time, he joined the BJP and contested for an MP seat which he lost.

While Shekhawat is a BJP leader, Sreesanth’s father Santhakumaran was a communist leader while his cousin Dr T N Seema is CPI(M) MP in Rajya Sabha from Kerala. In spite of this Sreesanth showed interest in joining BJP because of his political inclination towards the party.

Sreesanth has long been trying to come back into mainstream cricket, but his dream was washed away by the BCCI. He even requested for a NOC from the Indian board to play in Scottish League which was also denied.