S Sreesanth Suspended by Kerala Cricket Association for Three Years
Sreesanth's Suspension and Controversial Remarks
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has imposed a three-year suspension on former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth. This action follows Sreesanth's derogatory comments directed at the KCA, particularly criticizing the board for not including Sanju Samson in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
KCA's Decision and Other Teams Involved
The KCA reached this decision during a special general body meeting. Sreesanth, who co-owns the Kerala Premier League team Kollam Sailors, received a show-cause notice due to his statements.
Franchises Under Scrutiny, Legal Actions Planned
In addition to Sreesanth, three other teams from the Kerala Premier League—Alappuzha Team Lead, Alappuzha Ripples, and Kollam Aeries—were also issued show-cause notices. However, after clarifying their positions, no further action was taken against these teams.
KCA's Official Statement
The KCA statement read:
"Following the controversial remarks, the KCA had issued show-cause notices to Sreesanth and the franchisee teams Kollam Aries, Alleppey Team Lead content creator Sai Krishnan, and Alleppey Ripples. As the franchisee teams gave satisfactory replies to the notice, the meeting decided not to proceed with further action against them. However, the KCA instructed the team management to be vigilant when including members."
Legal Action Against Others
The KCA also announced plans to take legal action against Sanju Samson's father, Samson Vishwanath, Reji Lukose, and a news presenter from TwentyFour channel. The board accused them of making baseless allegations against the association.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted when Sanju Samson was not selected for Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy team and subsequently omitted from India's Champions Trophy squad. Sreesanth expressed his dissatisfaction with the KCA's decisions. The board clarified that their actions against him were due to his inappropriate comments, which breached his contract as a team co-owner.
KCA's Support for Sreesanth in the Past
The statement read:
"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 KCA emphasized that they had always stood by Sreesanth during his legal troubles. Regarding Sanju Samson, the KCA explained that his exclusion was due to an email he sent to the board, stating he would not attend the camp. Consequently, selectors only considered players present at the camp in Wayanad.