Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Huge lifeline' as India court scraps Sreesanth's life ban for fixing

Sarwar Alam
By Sarwar AlamMar 15, 2019
Sarwar Alam
See Full Bio

India's Supreme Court scrapped cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth life ban for match-fixing on Friday but stopped short of acquitting the paceman.

The court said Sreesanth's long-running case had been badly handled and gave the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) three months to reconsider his punishment.

Sreesanth, 36, was arrested for illegal betting and spot-fixing during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) along with teammates Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila.

Police also launched legal proceedings against several officials of the Rajasthan Royals franchise which was later banned from the IPL for two years.

Sreesanth, who was released on bail, faces separate criminal proceedings in the Delhi High Court.

"The life ban has been lifted and that's a big thing," Sreesanth said after the ruling.

"The court has given me a huge lifeline and I am happy with the opportunity given to me," said the bowler who was 13 short of 100 Test wickets when he was banned.

"There are so many leagues happening all around the country and cricket is my bread and butter. To take care of my family I need cricket back."

Sreesanth's lawyer argued that no evidence had been found to prove that he underperformed in return for cash from bookmakers.

"The team (Rajasthan Royals) and its owners were banned for two years only. It is completely unfair that a life ban was imposed on him (Sreesanth)," his lawyer Salman Khurshid was quoted as saying by the local media.

The IPL, which is broadcast around the world, is hugely popular in India with its mix of sport and showbiz, with a number of teams fronted by big Bollywood names.

But it has been continuously dogged by corruption allegations.

Chennai Super Kings, led by former Indian captain M.S. Dhoni, was also banned for two years after its owner Gurunath Meiyappan was held guilty on charges of betting and passing on information to bookmakers.

The BCCI said Friday it respected the court's order and would take up Sreesanth's case in their next meeting.

The 11th edition of the IPL will start on March 23 with a game between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.

Related News

Mona Singh Takes on Her First Cop Role in Kohrra Season 2
Entertainment

Mona Singh to play cop in 'Kohrra' season 2 with Barun Sobti on Netflix

Pokémon cards Destined Rivals
Games

Pokémon cards demand hits new high with fans queuing in Belfast for ’ Destined Rivals’

Mithoon Breaks Records with ₹25 Crore Deal for Romantic Film
Entertainment

Mithoon becomes India’s highest-paid music composer with a £2.4 million deal for a romantic film

Hunter Schafer
Entertainment

Hunter Schafer reportedly in consideration for Princess Zelda in upcoming live-action film

More For You

GamesAid

GamesAid Charity Comedy Night

GamesAid Charity Comedy Night

On Wednesday 4 June, some of the UK’s finest stand-up comedians will come together under one roof at The Comedy Store in London for a night of side-splitting entertainment – all in support of GamesAid, the video games industry charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK. Hosted by the brilliant Imran Yusuf, Stand Up for GamesAid blends humour, heart, and the gaming community's generosity in a single unmissable event.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a comedy enthusiast, or simply someone looking to enjoy a lively evening in the capital, this charity comedy night promises top-tier entertainment with a powerful social impact. Held at The Comedy Store, one of London’s most iconic live venues located at 1a Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE, this event combines laughter and philanthropy in a feel-good atmosphere that welcomes all.

Keep ReadingShow less
Randhir Jaiswal

India's External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said trade or tariffs were not discussed in any conversations between Indian and US leaders during the clashes with Pakistan.

India rejects US claim that trade offer ended clashes with Pakistan

INDIA on Thursday said trade did not come up at all in discussions between Indian and American leaders during its military clashes with Pakistan, rejecting Washington’s claim that its offer of trade halted the confrontation.

US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick told a New York court that India and Pakistan reached a “tenuous ceasefire” after president Donald Trump offered both nations trading access with the US to avoid a “full-scale war.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner during the Knicks vs Pacers playoff game

Twitter /@kkjdaillynews

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner spark buzz with courtside PDA at Knicks game

The New York Knicks may have won Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, but it was Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner who truly stole the spotlight at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Sitting courtside among a sea of celebrities, the couple’s very public display of affection became the real talking point of the evening, with videos of their kiss flooding social media.

Cameras captured the duo leaning in close, whispering, kissing, and holding hands while seated next to actors Miles Teller and Ben Stiller. Chalamet, in a blue-and-orange Knicks jacket inspired by Patrick Ewing, looked completely at ease next to Jenner, who kept it sleek in a white top, leather trousers, and a Knicks cap. The two looked more like a couple on a romantic night out than high-profile guests at a tense playoff game.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fan's Snake Stunt at 'Khaleja' Re-Release Sparks Theatre Chaos

A scene from Khaleja that inspired a fan’s unusual theatre stunt

Twitter/Amalapuram Mahesh FC/Cult Cinema

​Mahesh Babu fan brings live snake to 'Khaleja' 4K re-release in Vijayawada sparking chaos

The re-release of Khaleja in 4K was supposed to be a nostalgic celebration for Mahesh Babu fans, but in Vijayawada, things got out of hand when one fan turned a tribute into a real-life stunt.

In an attempt to mirror a well-known scene from the film, where Mahesh Babu’s character walks with a snake through the desert, a fan decided to bring an actual snake into the cinema. At first, the crowd thought it was just a prop. But when the snake began to move, panic broke out. The video of the incident quickly made its way online, with shocked viewers sharing it widely.

Keep ReadingShow less
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan's chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said the two militaries had started reducing troop numbers. (Photo: Reuters)

Border troop reduction near, Pakistani general says amid India tensions

PAKISTAN and India are close to reducing troop levels along their border to those before the latest conflict began earlier this month, a senior Pakistani military official told Reuters on Friday. He cautioned, however, that the recent fighting had raised the risk of escalation in the future.

Both sides used fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery in four days of clashes before a ceasefire was announced.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc