Banned Sreesanth eyes return to cricket

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth, serving a life ban from all forms of the game after his involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, is eyeing a return to active cricket in Scotland next year.
The Kerala speedster, part of the Indian team that won the inaugural World T20 in 2007 and the World Cup four years later, is hoping to make his a comeback in April next year, provided he gets the green signal from BCCI, the game's ruling body in India.
The 33-year-old, who was acquitted of all charges by the Delhi High Court in the IPL spot-fixing in July 2015, has not played cricket for three years.
“I hope the year 2017 is interesting. Maybe cricket is calling me back again,” Sreesanth said after being invited as chief guest at a schools cricket tournament being held in Doha.
The four-day eight-over tennis ball cricket tournament played at old Ideal School campus features eight Doha-based teams.
“I have got a good offer from a Scottish First Division club side. (It) depends on (if) BCCI gives me permission or not," he added.
"As far as I remember, the ban for me was for not to play in BCCI tournaments and not to represent BCCI. Maybe, I will get an opportunity to play there.
"If I can keep myself fit, which is very important in the cold conditions. When it comes to fitness, you need to be fit for play five days a week. I am looking forward to it,” Sreesanth said.
The former India pacer said BCCI has not responded to his request for permission to play club cricket in India after he was cleared by a court in the spot-fixing case.
“I not happy with the way BCCI has treated me. I am waiting to get (BCCI's) permission to play club cricket.
"(I am) not disappointed, but upset, even after clearing my name, and having things sorted out, I have not got a response from the BCCI. I have been sending mails and letters, but there has been no response from BCCI since July 2015, when the court case got over," Sreesanth said.
“If you get out of the country, still you need permission from BCCI to play in the Scotland league, since I had a contract with BCCI,” he explained.
The 33 year-old Kerala fast bowler has represented India in 27 Tests and 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is, bagging close to 170 international wickets
Sreesanth last played for India in 2011 against England in Oval.  The high point of his career was the tour of South Africa in 2007 when he consistently troubled the South African top order with an upright seam and prodigious swing to become the highest wicket-taker of the series with a tally of 18 wickets at an impressive average of 21.94.
Sreesanth was confident that he will get over the dark phase of his life in the New year.
“Tough times do not last long. It has all been an experience for me. I have taken it (the setback) in my stride. It is very easy to blame a lot of people, but honestly I am fortunate to get my family's support,” he said.
Sreesanth said he was fortune to play cricket after the 2011 Birmingham Test when all seemed lost.
“After the 2011 Birmingham Test, I could hardly walk. I played the match after taking injection for injuries to my big toes. I could only bowl at an average of 78 to 75 miles per hour, which was way slower than my normal speed," Sreesanth recalled.
"I called up my brother and told me him that 'I am done with the game'. Since it is difficult to come back after surgeries," he said.
“I had 12 surgeries on my big toes after the Birmingham Test ... I was on a wheelchair for a while. But I came back, came back strongly and got a contract in IPL with Rajasthan Royals.
"So in a way, I was fortunate to stage a big comeback,” Sreesanth said.
He said he was happy to see a lot of attention given to sports in Qatar.
“Great to see that they are giving interest to sports and especially to cricket,” he said with a smile.