Sreesanth roped in by Kerala for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as speedster eyes comeback

With his eyes set on an international comeback, 37-year-old Sreesanth has been named in Kerala's squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament paving his way into domestic circle. right-arm speedster will be playing along with Sachin Baby, Basil Thampi and Robin Uthappa under captainship of Sanju Samson. Sreesanth's inclusion into Kerala squad marks his return to competitive cricket after being away for 7 years. 

veteran speedster shared a video of him receiving Kerala cap on Wednesday afteron with a caption that read, "re is thing stronger than a broken man, who has rebuilt himself."

Previously, Sreesanth was roped in to play T20 league organized by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). He was also seen bowling in nets along with Kerala Ranji team. Apart from Sreesanth, Sachin Baby, Basil Thampi, Rohan Prem, Midhun S, and Asif K M are or prominent names are said to feature in T20 tournament.  

READ | Raina Extends Wishes To Sreesanth As Pacer Returns To Competitive Cricket After 7 Years

India pacer S Sreesanth's ban for alleged spot-fixing came to an end on September 13, concluding a seven-year punishment that was originally meant to be for life and was aggressively contested by flamboyant bowler. 

Sreesanth's life ban for alleged spot-fixing in 2013 edition of IPL was reduced to seven years by BCCI Ombudsman DK Jain last year. Jain had observed that cricketer is well past his prime having already served six years. BCCI banned Sreesanth in August 2013 along with his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. Sreesanth played 27 Tests and 53 ODIs for India, taking 87 and 75 wickets respectively. He has also taken seven wickets in 10 T20 Internationals.

READ | Sreesanth Set To Return To Competitive Cricket With T20 League After End Of 7-year Ban

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021

domestic T20 tournament, which was earlier postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak, will be played across seven venues under a biosecure environment. Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Vadodara, Kolkata and Indore will host league matches of competition. kckout fixtures will be played at newly built Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. T20 tournament is scheduled to be played from January 10 to 31. 

READ | Arjun Tendulkar t Selected In Suryakumar Yadav's Mumbai Side For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

"By Saturday, January 2, 2021, teams will have to assemble in ir respective hub. From Sunday, January 10, 2021, tournament will start and final will be played on January 31, 2021," BCCI interim secretary Jay Shah had written to state associations. "BCCI will subsequently seek feedback from members on organising any or domestic tournament after group st of Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy," he had stated.

READ | Dhawan, Ishant Named In Delhi's Mushtaq Ali Trophy Squad