The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended former Indian fast bowler and two-time World Cup-winner S Sreesanth for a period of three years, citing derogatory and misleading statements made by him in connection with the ongoing controversy involving star batter Sanju Samson. This disciplinary action was confirmed following a special General Body meeting held in Kochi on April 30.
Sreesanth, who is currently the co-owner of the Kerala Cricket League franchise Kollam Aeries (now rebranded as Kollam Sailors), allegedly accused the KCA of mishandling Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The remarks, made during a Malayalam television panel discussion, were deemed defamatory and in violation of Sreesanth’s responsibilities as a franchise co-owner.
What Triggered the Suspension?
The controversy erupted after Sanju Samson was excluded from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad—a decision that many believe hurt his chances for a national call-up. Sreesanth, in support of Samson, criticized the KCA during the TV discussion and vowed to stand by Kerala players. However, the KCA clarified that his suspension had nothing to do with his support for Samson.
“The action against Sreesanth is not because he supported Sanju Samson,” a KCA statement clarified. “It is due to his false and defamatory statements against the Kerala Cricket Association, which amount to a breach of his contractual obligations as a franchise co-owner.”
Prior to the suspension, show-cause notices were served to Sreesanth and three Kerala Cricket League franchises—Kollam Aeries, Alappuzha Team Lead, and Alappuzha Ripples—following the public backlash and media storm triggered by his remarks. While the franchise teams responded satisfactorily and escaped sanctions, the KCA decided to suspend Sreesanth after deeming his explanation unsatisfactory.
Legal Trouble for Sanju Samson’s Father
The fallout doesn’t stop at Sreesanth. The KCA has also decided to initiate legal proceedings against Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, along with two other individuals. The association alleges that they made “baseless and defamatory” claims using Samson’s name.
The KCA emphasized that these legal steps are aimed at protecting the integrity of the association and ensuring that public figures refrain from making unfounded accusations that could damage its reputation.
KCA Alludes to Sreesanth’s Past
In a stinging rebuttal, the KCA also referenced Sreesanth’s past involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. While criminal charges against him were quashed, the KCA subtly reminded the public that the controversy still lingers over the former pacer’s cricketing legacy.
“When Sreesanth was in jail facing allegations in the infamous match-fixing scandal, KCA officials visited and supported him,” the statement read. “Although the court quashed the criminal case, it is a fact that he has not been acquitted in the match-fixing case.”
The statement indirectly questioned Sreesanth’s moral authority to criticize the cricket board and claim to be a protector of Kerala’s cricketers.
Impact on Kerala Cricket League
Sreesanth’s suspension could have immediate consequences for his franchise, the Kollam Sailors, as he will no longer be permitted to participate in any KCA-sanctioned cricket activities for the duration of the ban. The KCA has advised all franchise teams to be vigilant about the conduct of their representatives, to avoid further controversy.
Final Thoughts
This high-profile disciplinary action marks a significant moment in Kerala cricket, exposing deep divisions between players and administrators. While Sanju Samson remains silent on the matter, the storm around his name continues to intensify. The suspension of a former India cricketer, coupled with looming legal battles involving Samson’s family, underscores the volatile intersection of regional politics, selection controversies, and player-administrator dynamics in Indian cricket.
Whether this issue escalates further or leads to much-needed introspection within Kerala cricket remains to be seen.