Kerala Cricket Association lifts 3-year ban on Ex-India player Sreesanth after Apology

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has lifted its sanctions on former India cricketer Sreesanth on Wednesday (July 1).

The KCA has officially revoked the three-year ban imposed on former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth, bringing an end to a dispute that stemmed from his public criticism of the state body over the Sanju Samson selection controversy.

The decision was taken unanimously during the KCA's Special General Body meeting on Wednesday after Sreesanth submitted an unconditional apology expressing regret for his remarks.

Sreesanth had been banned by the KCA for allegedly making statements through visual and social media that brought disrepute to the association. He had challenged the disciplinary action in the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed. Following that, the former India pacer tendered an unconditional apology, prompting the association to reconsider its stance.

In an official statement, the KCA said:

"Considering the unconditional apology submitted by Sreesanth expressing regret over his remarks against the Kerala Cricket Association, the Special General Body meeting unanimously decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him."

The association, however, also issued a stern warning saying, "Any similar conduct in the future will invite strict disciplinary action."

With the ban lifted, Sreesanth is now free to continue his role as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), from which he had effectively been sidelined due to the suspension.

The controversy began ahead of the previous KCL season when Sreesanth publicly criticized the KCA over its handling of Sanju Samson's omission from Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad and India's 2025 Champions Trophy squad.

The KCA had maintained that his comments tarnished the association's image and responded with a three-year suspension. The revocation marks a reconciliation between the former World Cup-winning fast bowler and the state association, which appointed a newly elected body after the tenure of Jayesh George.