The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended Team India’s former pace bowler S.Sreesanth for three years from all duties related to the association. Also, he is the co-owner of Aries Kollam Sailors, a Kerala Cricket League (KCL) franchise.
This decision follows his controversial statement against KCA regarding Sanju Samson’s omission from India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Furthermore, the KCA plans to take legal action against Samson Viswanath, Sanju Samson’s father, for publicly expressing his frustration and accusing the state cricket body of dragging down his son’s career.
KCA vs Sreesanth-Samson Controversy
The KCA issued a notice to Sreesanth earlier this year February, after he questioned the state cricket governing body’s decision to snub Sanju Samson from Kerala’s white ball squad for the domestic season. It is reported that the young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman was deliberately sidelined for India’s CT 2025 for not taking part in the 50-over domestic contest.
The 42-year-old, during an interview with Onmanorama (Kerala news media), complained about KCA’s approach to overlook talented local players and pleaded to lend support to Sanju as well as other Kerala players:
“Look! They (referring to KCA) appoint other state cricketers to represent them. I don’t understand such an approach, which is insulting to our Malayali cricketers.
Moreover, Sanju is one such player from our state who is representing at the international level. I request that we all support him. The KCA failed to nurture any international cricketer since Sanju. You need to accept the fact that there are great cricketers such as Sachin Baby, M. D. Nidheesh, Vishnu Vinod, and several others. But are they encouraging them to play at a higher level?” Sreesanth questioned.
Why was Sanju Samson not preferred for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Even after leading Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, Sanju Samson was excluded from Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT)2024-25 as he didn’t take part in the 3-day preparatory camp in Wayanad before the tournament’s commencement.
However, it is reported that while other players who didn’t attend a camp were included in the squad, Sanju was ignored.
Later, the secretary of KCA, Vinod S Kumar, clarified that due to Samson’s lack of availability, it wouldn’t have been appropriate to keep a young player’s spot uncertain.
His absence from VHT was one of the main reasons why Ajit Agarkar’s led selection committee overlooked his inclusion in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Also, the BCCI prioritized domestic cricket for considering a player’s selection for international series and tournaments based on their current form and fitness. Earlier, players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer faced such situations for omitting domestic contests without prior permission.
Especially, Samson’s spending much of his time in Dubai raised questions about his voluntary absence.
KCA Recalls Sreesanth’s Spot Fixing Controversy in 2013
Responding to the criticism of India’s two-time World Cup winner, the KCA recalled the horrific spot fixing allegations against him to defend itself that the entire association has always supported players, even during the toughest times:
“See! When Sreesanth was jailed, he faced huge complaints about the disgraceful spot fixing scandal in 2013. However, it was the KCA officials who often came to visit him and provided support during the most difficult days of his life.
Despite the court ruling out the criminal case, it is a fact to accept that he hasn’t been forgiven for the match fixing case. In such scenarios, there isn’t any action required for Sreesanth to voice his opinion regarding other players’ protection.
Most importantly, the protective approach of KCA ensured that Sreesanth would be provided opportunities in games, particularly the Ranji Trophy, after serving his punishment. It would be noteworthy to investigate if any other associations have attempted such an approach that was favorable for players who were found guilty of spot fixing,” the KCA statement read.
KCA Action Against Sanju Samson’s Father
KCA is considering taking formal action against Sanju Samson’s father for his baseless allegations against the association for ruining his son’s cricket career. The committee plans to seek compensation from Samson Viswanath through legal methods. Also, the KCA has penalized the news anchor who reported on this issue.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Analysis: Bowlers with the Highest Number of Wides Delivered So Far
KCA’s Decision to Hand Over a 3-Year Ban on Sreesanth
A special general body meeting in Kochi on April 30 (Wednesday) prompted KCA’s decision to ban Sreesanth for three years following his hot-tempered comments. In addition, the show cause notices were handed to him as well as the franchise teams, Kollam Aeries, Alappuzha Team Lead, and Alappuzha Ripples, after the incident.
However, these franchise teams have responded to the notice with reasonable replies. As a consequence, the decision has been taken in the recent meeting not to proceed with any action against them. Also, the KCA strictly instructed the franchises to be highly cautious while appointing members for the team management roles.
It is understood that the suspension issued to the ex-Indian pacer was not for supporting Samson but for his offensive remarks against the state cricket association.
