Sreesanth Faces Three-Year Ban for Remarks in Samson Dispute

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has imposed a three-year suspension on former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth for allegedly making false and defamatory statements regarding the exclusion of Sanju Samson from India’s Champions Trophy squad. The decision was finalized during a special General Body meeting in Kochi on April 30, as announced in a KCA statement.

Sreesanth, a co-owner of the Kerala Cricket League’s Kollam Aeries franchise, sparked controversy during a panel discussion on a Malayalam television channel. His comments criticized the KCA’s decision to drop Samson from the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a move widely believed to have impacted Samson’s national team selection. The KCA clarified that the suspension stemmed not from Sreesanth’s support for Samson but from his misleading and derogatory remarks against the association.

Show-cause notices were issued to Sreesanth and the franchise teams Kollam Aeries, Alappuzha Team Lead, and Alappuzha Ripples following the incident. The KCA stated that the franchise teams provided satisfactory responses, resulting in no further action against them. However, the association emphasized the need for greater caution in appointing team management members.

The KCA also plans to pursue a compensation claim against Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, and two others for allegedly making baseless accusations using Samson’s name. The controversy has drawn significant attention, given Sreesanth’s stature as a member of India’s World Cup-winning teams and Samson’s prominence as a rising cricket star.