The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended former Indian fast bowler S. Sreesanth for three years. This decision follows a controversy surrounding the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the potential Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Sports News: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended former Indian fast bowler S. Sreesanth for three years. This decision comes in the wake of a controversy sparked by Sanju Samson's omission from the potential Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025. Sreesanth openly supported Samson, making accusations against the KCA that the association deemed false and defamatory.
In an official statement, the KCA stated that Sreesanth's comments tarnished the association's image and spread misinformation within the cricketing community. This decision was made at a special meeting held in Kochi on April 30th. KCA President Jayesh George also publicly criticized Sreesanth's statements, labeling them as undisciplined.
What is the Full Story?
The controversy began with Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Champions Trophy team selection. This decision not only disappointed cricket fans but also raised questions about the KCA's internal selection process and functioning. Former fast bowler S. Sreesanth, in an interview on a Malayalam TV channel, openly criticized the KCA and voiced his support for Sanju Samson.
Sreesanth not only supported Samson but also described the KCA's policies and selection process as biased and "political." Sreesanth stated that ignoring a player like Sanju Samson wasn't just a technical oversight but a deliberate act. He alleged that certain factions within the KCA were jeopardizing players' careers for personal gain.
KCA's Response and Action
Following Sreesanth's statements, the KCA took immediate action, issuing him a show-cause notice. Notices were also sent to franchise teams like Kollam Aris, Alappuzha Team Lead, and Alappuzha Repuls, with which Sreesanth is associated. However, these teams' responses were deemed satisfactory, and no further action was taken against them.
In its action against Sreesanth, the KCA clarified that the decision was based on his defamatory and false comments against the KCA and its officials, not his support for Sanju Samson. Maintaining the organization's dignity is our priority.
Compensation Claims
The KCA considers this not just an internal matter but a public attempt to damage its image, and it has indicated its intention to pursue legal action. The KCA's official statement clarified that compensation will be claimed from Sanju Samson's father, Samson Vishwanath, and two others for making unfounded and baseless accusations using Sanju Samson's name.
Sreesanth's comments and the ensuing controversy could create further problems for Sanju Samson. According to some KCA sources, this matter has generated unnecessary negativity in the selectors' eyes. While the BCCI has yet to officially respond, it's likely to indirectly affect Samson's selection.
Awaiting Sreesanth's Response
Sreesanth has yet to officially respond to this matter. However, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in controversy. He faced a life ban after the 2013 spot-fixing case, which was later lifted. As a co-owner of the franchise team Kollam Aris in Kerala cricket, this role will also be affected by the three-year ban.
