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The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has issued a show-cause notice to former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth, accusing him of making “false and defamatory” remarks regarding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from Kerala’s white-ball squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
The controversy began when Sreesanth publicly questioned KCA’s decision to overlook Sanju Samson, claiming it was an unfair move that may have cost him a spot in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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KCA’s Strong Response to Sreesanth’s Comments
The KCA has strongly refuted Sreesanth’s allegations, stating that Samson was initially unwilling to play in the domestic tournament and only changed his mind at the last moment. They clarified that the notice issued to Sreesanth was not due to his support for Samson but rather because his remarks violated his contractual obligations as the co-owner of the Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League.
Furthermore, in a scathing response, the KCA referenced Sreesanth’s past involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, emphasizing that the association had supported him during his legal battles.
“When Sreesanth was in jail facing allegations in the infamous match-fixing scandal, KCA officials visited and supported him. Although the court quashed the criminal case, it is a fact that he has not been acquitted in the match-fixing case. In such a situation, there is no need for Sreesanth to take up the protection of other players,” the statement read.
Sreesanth Fires Back at KCA
Sreesanth, who was banned for life in 2013 before the Supreme Court lifted the ban in 2019, had also questioned the KCA’s ability to produce international stars apart from Sanju Samson.
In response, KCA highlighted several prominent Kerala cricketers who have excelled in the national and international circuits, including:
- Sajna Sajeevan, Minnu Mani, Asha Shobana (Women’s Cricket)
- Joshitha V.J. (Member of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team)
- Najla CMC (India U-19 squad)
- Mohammed Inan (India U-19 Asia Cup team)
This latest dispute has further escalated tensions between Sreesanth and the KCA, and it remains to be seen how the former World Cup winner will respond to the show-cause notice.
