S. SreesanthBCCI leadershipBCCI NewsCricket ControversiesCricket NewsDomestic CricketDomestic MatchesICC Champions TrophyICC Champions Trophy 2025Indian CricketersIndian Domestic CricketKerala Cricket AssociationSanju SamsonSports Controversy
Sreesanth Handed Three-Year Ban by KCA Over Remarks on Sanju Samson’s Exclusion
KCA Cracks Down on Controversial Comments Targeting State Cricket Management
In a major development that has sparked widespread discussion in Kerala’s cricketing circles, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has imposed a three-year suspension on former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth. The action was taken following what the association described as inappropriate and derogatory comments made by Sreesanth regarding the exclusion of Sanju Samson from India’s Champions Trophy squad.
The decision was finalized during the KCA’s General Body Meeting held on April 30, where officials unanimously agreed that Sreesanth’s televised remarks and his subsequent defiant response to a show-cause notice merited disciplinary action.
Controversy Sparked by Television Debate
Sreesanth Criticizes KCA Over Samson’s Non-Selection
Sreesanth’s suspension stems from comments he made during a local TV debate in Kerala, where he questioned the role of the KCA in the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the Indian team. The remarks, which quickly went viral, included allegations that the association had failed to back Samson adequately during selection discussions.
KCA officials, including spokesperson Vinod Kumar, stated that Sreesanth’s reply to the official notice was unsatisfactory and accusatory in tone. “He essentially blamed us for Sanju’s exclusion,” Vinod Kumar said. “That kind of public defiance and false attribution damages the integrity of the association.”
As part of a broader disciplinary initiative, the KCA had also sent notices to other individuals who allegedly made false claims, including Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Viswanath. While his response was also deemed unsatisfactory, it was not considered as hostile as Sreesanth’s.
Read more about Kerala cricket controversies and developments
Franchise Role Unaffected, But State Ban Enforced
Despite the ban, Sreesanth’s involvement with Kollam Aeries, a franchise in the Kerala Cricket League, remains technically unaffected. While he is barred from all state cricketing activities, he is still allowed to be part of the franchise in a non-cricketing capacity.
The KCA clarified that his three-year suspension means Sreesanth cannot participate in or attend any official matches, coaching, or events conducted under the KCA umbrella. This includes grassroots initiatives, selection meetings, and state-level cricketing operations.
Sreesanth’s History of Controversy and Redemption
This isn’t the first time the 42-year-old cricketer has faced disciplinary action. Sreesanth was previously banned for life by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. However, the Supreme Court of India later overturned the decision, allowing him to resume cricket after nearly seven years.
A veteran of 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, Sreesanth was part of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Despite his achievements, his career has often been overshadowed by controversies both on and off the field.
Family Reacts to Suspension: “Yet to Receive Official Notice”
Speaking to media outlets, Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari expressed surprise at the decision, claiming that they had not been formally informed by the KCA.
“We’ve only heard of the ban through media reports. We have not received any official communication,” she stated. “Sree was merely backing a fellow cricketer from Kerala whom he has played alongside. Once we get clarity and receive the notice, we will consider our legal options.”
Her statement implies that the matter may not be over yet and could possibly be contested legally depending on the formal details shared by the KCA.
What Lies Ahead for Kerala Cricket and Sanju Samson?
This incident has put the Kerala Cricket Association under the spotlight for how it manages dissent and internal criticism. While the KCA has insisted that its actions were based on preserving discipline and protecting its reputation, questions remain over whether Sreesanth’s suspension could further alienate players and fans who believe in more transparent governance.
KCA officials also addressed additional rumors surrounding Karun Nair, refuting claims that the Karnataka batsman had ever played for Kerala at any level.
For now, the focus will be on how this ban impacts Kerala cricket’s public image, and whether a reconciliation is possible, especially with a figure as polarizing and passionate as Sreesanth.
Learn more about the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling on Sreesanth’s life ban
