Kerala Cricket Association makes key decision on S. Sreesanth over controversial remarks

Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has revoked the three-year ban imposed on former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth, more than a year after suspending him over controversial remarks made against the state cricket body. The decision was taken during a special general body meeting after the former cricketer submitted an unconditional apology.

Sreesanth had earlier been banned by the association for allegedly making false and defamatory statements against the KCA during the controversy surrounding Sanju Samson's omission from India's Champions Trophy squad.

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KCA revokes Sreesanth's ban after unconditional apology

In an official statement, the Kerala Cricket Association confirmed that Sreesanth's suspension had been lifted after he expressed regret for his comments and tendered an unconditional apology.

The association stated that the decision was approved during its special general body meeting, bringing an end to the three-year ban that had originally been imposed ahead of the previous edition of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).

S. Sreesanth had found himself at the centre of controversy after questioning the KCA's role during the debate surrounding Sanju Samson's exclusion from India's Champions Trophy squad. His public criticism of the association eventually resulted in disciplinary action.

Controversy stemmed from Sanju Samson selection row

The dispute dates back to February 2025, when Sreesanth openly criticised the Kerala Cricket Association for not selecting Sanju Samson in its squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Following those remarks, the KCA issued a show-cause notice to the former India pacer before later imposing a three-year suspension. At the time, the association also referred to the 2013 IPL spot-fixing controversy involving Sreesanth while maintaining that it had consistently supported its players.

S. Sreesanth, however, had claimed that he never received any formal communication regarding the ban and insisted that his comments were made only in support of fellow Kerala cricketer Sanju Samson.

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With the latest decision, the former India fast bowler is no longer under suspension from the Kerala Cricket Association, bringing an end to one of the state's most high-profile cricketing disputes in recent years.