In a significant disciplinary move, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth for three years following controversial remarks he made regarding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy squad. The decision was announced after a special General Body meeting held on April 30 in Kochi.
The controversy stems from Sreesanth’s appearance on a Malayalam television panel, where he criticized the KCA while discussing Sanju Samson’s omission from the Indian team. Sreesanth expressed support for Samson and appeared to suggest that Kerala cricket politics may have contributed to his non-selection. However, the KCA has clarified that Sreesanth’s suspension was not due to his support for Samson, but because of “false and defamatory” statements made against the association.
At the heart of the dispute is the allegation that Samson was deliberately sidelined from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, which some believe affected his chances at the national level. Sreesanth, who also co-owns the Kollam Aeries franchise in the Kerala Cricket League, was issued a show-cause notice alongside Alappuzha Ripples and Alappuzha Team Lead. While the latter two provided satisfactory explanations and faced no action, Sreesanth’s comments were deemed damaging to the integrity of the KCA.
The KCA has also announced plans to seek legal compensation from Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, and two others for allegedly misusing Samson’s name to make unsubstantiated allegations against the body.
This incident highlights growing tensions within Kerala cricket, with the KCA urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and professionalism in public forums.
