Pradeep Sangwan finishes serving dope ban

Delhi fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan is eligible to participate in BCCI-run events and use state association facilities once again, after completed his 18-month ban for failing a dope test during the 2013 IPL.

"Yesterday was my 24th birthday and a day before that I got an email from BCCI. They have confirmed that my ban has been lifted," Sangwan told PTI. "BCCI has confirmed that all my latest urine sample reports have come negative. During the ban, I was not permitted to train or use any state association facilities. Now that the ban is over, I can at least train with the Ranji team."

Sangwan, who was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise in 2013, had tested positive for stanozolol, a prohibited steroid.

"I can tell you that it was painful time away from the game. But I had a lot of support. During the 18 months, I got time to fix my shoulder problem as I underwent a surgery in UK. After that I concentrated on an extensive rehabilitation programme. I used to just count days when I would return to the field and devoted my time in rehab."

Sangwan said he would come back an improved bowler after the surgery. "In the past few years, the shoulder problem led to some technical glitches in my bowling. I had the natural ability to bowl both inswing and outswing but I lost a lot of zip. To swing the ball, you need good shoulder along with wrist position. With my shoulder troubling me, my performance went down. Now I am 100% fit and waiting to get back to performing for Delhi."