The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reduced fast bowler Shantha Sreesanth’s ban.

Sreesanth was initially banned from professional cricket for life after being involved in spot-fixing during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League.

‘For Sreesanth, who is now in his late 30s, his prime years as a cricketer, particularly as a fast bowler, may already be over,’ said BCCI ombudsman DK Jain.

‘I am of the view that banning Sreesanth from participating in any kind of commercial cricket or from associating with any activities of the BCCI or its affiliates, for a period of seven years with effect from 13 September 2013 – the date from which the period of ban imposed by the Disciplinary Committee had commenced – will meet the ends of justice.’

The 36-year-old played for the Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He was with the Royals at the time of the suspension.

The animated right-armer collected 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is during a six-year international career. His best Test-innings figures of 5-40 were achieved against the Proteas at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in 2008. The veteran Graeme Smith, Hahim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Mark Boucher were his victims.

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