Daijiworld Media Network - Sports
Kochi, Jul 26: Cricketer Sreesanth's parents were ecstatic upon hearing the final verdict of a Delhi Court which turned out in favour of their son. The Court on Saturday dropped all the spot fixing charges that had been directed against cricketer Sreesanth and 35 others who had also been named in the case.
Sreesanth's father Santhkumaran Nair said, "Thank God. Our prayers are answered. He (Almighty) is witness to everything. We thank all those who worked to prove his innocence." A total number of 36 people were dismissed by the court today in the spot fixing case that it was presiding over. Sreesanth's mother extended her gratitude to all those across the nation, who believed in sided with her son, saying that, “We thank all those who prayed for our son. We were all tensed after Court reserved order on plea. We were all praying for him.”
Sreesanth who was very happy and emotional over the verdict given told media persons, "I am feeling very happy at the moment and hope that I start training soon. I hope to get permission from the BCCI to start using the training facilities soon, so that I can get fit and get into the selection process. God has been extremely kind. I am born to play cricket. I am a cricketer first. BCCI has been very supportive all through. TC Mathew Sir in Kerala had told me that you finish this and we will take it from there. The worst that can happen to a cricketer is stay behind the National Stadium and not be able to use it. I went through a lot of things but it is past now. I would love to be able to run there. I just couldn't control my tears."
He went on to speak about his family saying, "My daughter is three months old. When she grows old and googles my name, I want her to know me as a cricketer and not a terrorist. When I saw my photograph being flashed alongside Dawood Ibrahim, I was like shocked. I wondered what have I done to myself to deserve this." He continued talking about the strain it would have brought on his father, with the words, "My father had two heart attacks. He had an open-heart surgery. Obviously, it is connected to the stress that a father suffers when his son is sent to Tihar jail."
Speaking about the BCCI who believe him to be involved in spot fixing, he said, "I became Sreesanth because of BCCI and I will not go against them. Obviously, I believe that they will see my truth. Right now, I just feel that I would be happy if I am allowed to play even a club match. I feel I can bowl those out swingers again."
In lieu of this verdict Kerala Cricket Association president T C Mathew, who is also BCCI Vice President assured ardent followers of Cricket that the State Cricket Body would work to remove all bans imposed on Sreesanth and facilitate his entry back to mainstream cricket.