Kerala Cricket Association revokes Sreesanth’s three-year ban after apology

Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth (eugenixhairsciences/IG)

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) revoked the three-year ban imposed on former India pacer S Sreesanth on Wednesday, July 1, after he submitted an unconditional apology over remarks made against the association. The decision was taken unanimously at KCA’s Special General Body meeting.

The ban had barred the 43-year-old from all KCA-recognised activities, including his role with the Kerala Cricket League franchise Aries Kollam Sailors, where he serves as mentor, brand ambassador and co-owner.

What led to Sreesanth’s ban?

The KCA had suspended Sreesanth for three years at a special general body meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Kochi, over comments he made on visual and social media platforms during the row surrounding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Sreesanth had publicly criticised the association and vowed to support Kerala players, remarks the KCA deemed damaging to its image and reputation. Show cause notices were also issued to franchise teams over the episode, though no further action followed as their responses were found satisfactory.

The pacer challenged the suspension in the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but the court dismissed his petition, leaving the ban in force. He later submitted a formal apology to the KCA, expressing unconditional regret for his earlier statements. The Special General Body reviewed the apology in detail before unanimously voting to lift the suspension.

The KCA granted the relief but issued a strict warning that any repeat of similar conduct or public statements damaging its reputation would invite severe disciplinary action going forward. Sreesanth continues as co-owner of Aries Kollam Sailors, who are competing in Season Three of the Kerala Cricket League after winning the previous edition.

Sreesanth played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India and was part of the squads that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. The revocation brings an end to a dispute that began in April 2025 and clears the way for his continued involvement in Kerala’s domestic cricket structure through the ongoing Kerala Cricket League season.

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