Sreesanth announces retirement from domestic cricket, open to playing leagues across the globe
India Today
World Cup-winning pacer Sreesanth announced his decsion to retire from Indian domestic cricket on Wednesday. The 39-year-old said he is keen on playing franchise-based leagues across the world after getting the go-ahead from the BCCI.
India pacer Shanthakumar Sreesanth on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket. The 39-year-old fast bowler said he made the 'right and honourable' decision, saying it doesn't bring him happiness, but he does not regret the call.
The senior pacer said he is open to playing franchise-based leagues across the world once the Board of Control for Cricket tin India (BCCI) gives him the go-ahead and being part of coaching set-ups in the near future. He added that he decided to retire from domestic cricket to make way for youngsters in the Kerala domestic set-up.
Sreesanth played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India between 2005 and 2011. He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team under MS Dhoni in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup-winning side in 2011. The Kerala fast bowler last played for India in 2011. Sreesanth had served a reduced life ban, which expired in September 2020, for alleged involvement in a spot-fixing scandal in IPL 2013.
A fiery fast bowler, Sreesanth picked up 169 wickets in international cricket and was part of several memorable victories, including the T20 and the 50-over World Cup.
"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, addressing his fans on Twitter.
"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, who returned to play Ranji Trophy after a gap of nine years, last played competitive cricket when he represented Kerala in the premier domestic tournament against Meghalaya in Saurashtra in February 2022. Sreesanth also played Vijay Hazare Trophy for Kerala last year.
