SREESANTH VS BCCI

Kerala High Court reimposes life ban on Sreesanth

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Sreesanth is unhappy with the latest ruling © BCCL

The division bench of the Kerala High Court reimposed the life ban from cricket activities on fast bowler S. Sreesanth. The division bench's verdict on Tuesday (October 17) was in response to a BCCI petition against the decision to revoke the ban by a single bench of the Kerala High Court.

Questioning the single bench's ruling of August 7, BCCI had contended that the court should not have interfered in the matter. "The ban was imposed on the basis of evidence and steps were taken to ensure natural justice," the appeal filed by BCCI's chief executive officer Rahul Johri said.

The Indian board had banned Sreesanth in 2013 for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing scandal. In 2015, a Delhi court acquitted Sreesanth of all charges, but BCCI didn't withdraw their life ban on the pacer. The board argued that it could not withdraw the ban against Sreesanth only for the reason that he was exonerated by a Delhi sessions court.

It reasoned that the standard of proof (quality of evidence) required in a disciplinary proceeding (conducted by the BCCI) was lesser than that required in a criminal proceeding in a court of law.

The fast bowler went on to challenge the ban by filing a writ petition earlier in 2017. Sreesanth argued that the inquiry team formed by BCCI had submitted the final report without giving him a chance of hearing. However, after the single bench of the High Court cleared Sreesanth of all charges, BCCI challenged the judgment and reimposed the ban.

© Cricbuzz

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