Former member of the Indian cricket team Ajay Jadeja on Monday thanked all those who had stood by him in his hour of crisis.

He was commenting on how he felt about the five-year ban imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India two years ago, for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, being lifted by the Delhi high court after the arbitrator appointed by the court termed the ban as illegal.

Speaking to Star Television network, Jadeja said that he got the news about the ban being lifted while commuting between Cochin and Delhi.

"Naturally I was thrilled. The moment I got down from the plane I went to my advocate's house and met him and his father, who had stood by me through the entire ban," he said.

Asked if he thinks there is a chance for him to make a comeback into the national side, he said, "Of course. I am only 31 and I have many more years ahead of me. You cannot separate cricket from me," adding, he said he had to approached the court to prove his innocence.

Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Kapil Dev, said, "I felt the ban imposed on them [Jadeja, Azharuddin and others] was unfair. They should not have banned the cricketers from playing cricket. The investigations could have gone on simultaneously. This kind of ban is criminal."

Jadeja's lawyer Vineet Malhotra said that he was pleased with the ruling of the court and his client was looking forward to getting back on the field first thing on Tuesday. "We are delighted that the court has set aside the ban. We have been proved right."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 55 Sub: Best of Luck!! Altough the ban has been lifted and i have complete faith in Jadeja's talent, how will he come back in the national team is still ... Posted by Sameer Sub: Well planned release The releasing of Ajay is well planned,why because one day before the Team start's for '03 world cup,no other way to add him inside the ... Posted by Arun Sub: A great victory for Ajay I have seen Ajay playing from hist first ODI to the last. I never doubted his dedication to the game. When the top order failed ... Posted by Bernard J Moses Sub: Good to hear !!! Good to hear that Ajay Jadeja is planning to make a comeback !!! I would like to see indian cricket team with likes of Sachin ... Posted by indian Sub: Jadeja ban jadeja's experience will be a great asset to the team in the world cup, what with newcomers like kaif, yuvraj, dinesh mongia and others. it ... Posted by Atul Bhatnagar