No Amir-like swift re-entry for Sreesanth: Sehwag

Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has ruled out an immediate international comeback for disgraced fast bowler S. Sreesanth upon the completion of his ban, saying that he will have to play domestic cricket in order to be back in contention for a role with the national team.

Sreesanth was handed a life-ban for his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal during the 2013 season of the Indian Premier League. His ban was recently reduced to seven years, meaning he would be eligible to play for India in Sep 2020.

Sehwag, however, was quick to remind journalists that being eligible would not mean a quick re-entry into the national fold for Sreesanth, stressing that he’d have to climb up the ladder like anyone else.

According to Deccan Chronicles, when reminded that Amir was fast-tracked back into the Pakistan cricket team following the expiry of his ban, Sehwag said: “Pakistan me kuch bhi hota hai (Anything goes in Pakistan).”

Sehwag’s comments though seemingly harsh, do have some merit as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has a long and chequered history of giving preferential treatment to or bending the rules for certain stars.