Sreesanth hopeful of playing in 2019 World Cup

Sreesanth was banned by BCCI for IPL spot-fixing case in 2013

Even though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not given any positive response yet, S. Sreesanth, the Indian speedster, is hopeful that he will be playing in the World Cup of 2019, reports oneindia.com.

Post allegations of match fixing, the BCCI imposed a lifetime ban upon him. The Delhi Court exonerated him of all charges last month. The player visited the famous Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala this Tuesday. It was Sreesanth's first public appearance post his exculpation.

Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has been making efforts to convince BCCI to revoke the ban imposed on Sreesanth. But there has not been any desired outcome so far.

Sreesanth is, however, not at all losing hope. He continues to remain positive about getting a chance to represent the country in the World Cup scheduled for 2015 and says he’s willing to bet on it..

Sreesanth said, "If not today, tomorrow, I know the ban will be lifted." Sreesanth added that he has already waited for quite a long time and is sure that his performance will get him a chance to play in the World Cup.

Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, is also hopeful that the BCCI will soon lift the ban. Chandy said, "Sreesanth is a proud son of Kerala. Allegations against him pained not only his family members but all the sports loving people of the state."

Sreesanth has already started training for the big event.

While the ban continues on Sreesanth, the names of other players featured in the envelope submitted by the Mudgal Committee over a year ago still remains unknown.

The BCCI immediately suspended players Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan, Sreesanth, after the news of their arrest came out. Post the investigation by the disciplinary committee, the BCCI awarded them with a ban.

The BCCI has remained adamant on continuing the ban on these players even after the court clearing them of all charges. At the same time, the BCCI has not taken any action against the players named in the Mudgal envelope.

Sreesanth is the second player from Kerala to represent India internationally. He has featured in 53 One-Day Internationals, 10 Twenty20s and 27 Tests.