Shanthakumar Sreesanth in a series of tweets announced his retirement, on Wednesday, from the Indian domestic (first class and all formats) cricket. The 39-year-old remains open to taking up coaching roles and also plying his trade in overseas leagues as now he’s retired from Indian cricket.
“Thank you for supporting me, especially on my comeback to domestic cricket. I am retiring from first-class, all forms of cricket in domestic cricket. Looking forward to being part of maybe a coaching set-up to help the youngsters. If possible, play leagues across the globe once the BCCI gives me permission,” Sreesanth said in a video message on Twitter.
The speedster, who made his comeback to domestic cricket last year after a 7-year gap due to his suspension, said that making space for youngsters is the key reason for his decision.
“I am completely fit but one of the reasons (for retiring) is the youngsters. I got an opportunity to play for my state and my country when another personality retired. I am very confident that Kerala cricket and Indian cricket is in the right hands,” he added.
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
Known for his aggression in bowling and attitude, Sreesanth represented India in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is between 2005 and 2011, snapping up 169 wickets.
He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team under MS Dhoni in 2007 and took the catch of Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq to win the title, and played in the 50-over World Cup-winning final against Sri Lanka in 2011. His last international match was a Test match at the Oval in August 2011.
The Kerala seamer was banned for life for his alleged involvement in a spot-fixing scandal during IPL 2013.
He was then acquitted of all charges in 2015 by a special court, after which the Kerala High Court quashed his life ban in 2018. However, a division bench of the High Court restored the ban, after which Sreesanth approached the Supreme Court. The apex court then recommended the BCCI reduce the punishment term.
In August 2019, BCCI ombudsman DK Jain reduced the life ban to 7 years, which ended in September 2020, and he made his domestic return for Kerala. He last featured for Kerala in the Ranji game against Meghalaya last month. Sreesanth had also entered his name for the IPL 2022 mega-auction but wasn’t auctioned.
Further, in a series of tweets, Sreesanth thanked everyone for supporting through thick and thin.
It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of India. Nd everyone who loves the game .
With much sadness but without regret, I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the Indian domestic (first class and all formats )cricket ,
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
For the next generation of cricketers..I have chosen to end my first class cricket career. This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this time in my life. I ve cherished every moment .
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— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
???Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. Playing for Ecc, Ernakulam district,varies diff. League and tournament teams, Kerala state cricket association,Bcci, Warwickshire county cricket team,Indian airlines cricket team,Bpcl , and ICC
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
ICC has been a tremendous honor. During my 25 years career as a Cricket player, I’ve always pursued success and winning cricket games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance. It has been an honor to represent my family,
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
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