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In its response to Sreesanth’s remarks, KCA referenced his past involvement in the infamous 2013 IPL spot-fixing case, suggesting that the association had always supported players, even during difficult times.
Sreesanth with Sanju Samson (X)
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has issued a show cause notice to former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth for allegedly making “false and defamatory” statements against the association during a television appearance.
Sreesanth had questioned KCA’s decision to exclude Sanju Samson from Kerala’s domestic white-ball squad.
It was later stated that Samson’s omission was reportedly linked to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which subsequently led to his exclusion from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
KCA clarified that the notice was not issued because Sreesanth supported Samson but rather due to his “false and defamatory statements,” which, according to KCA, violated his contractual obligations as the co-owner of the Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League.
In its response to Sreesanth’s remarks, KCA referenced his past involvement in the infamous 2013 IPL spot-fixing case, suggesting that the association had always supported players, even during difficult times.
“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 statement read.
Sreesanth was arrested by Delhi Police in 2013 for alleged spot-fixing and was among three Rajasthan Royals players banned from cricket. Later, all the charges were dropped and eventually the Supreme Court lifted his lifetime ban.
KCA also highlighted its role in Sreesanth’s return to cricket, stating, “It was only because of KCA’s protective approach that Sreesanth was given opportunities in matches including the Ranji Trophy after completing his sentence. It is worth investigating whether other associations have taken such a favorable approach towards players involved in match-fixing.”
Additionally, Sreesanth had criticized KCA, questioning the association’s ability to produce international-level players beyond Sanju Samson.
In response, KCA dismissed his claims as a reflection of his “ignorance about Kerala cricket,” listing several players who have recently represented the state at various levels: Sajna Sajeevan, Minnumani, Asha Shobana, and young talents like Joshitha V.J. (Under-19 World Cup-winning team), Najla CMC (Under-19 team), and Mohammed Inan (Under-19 Asia Cup team).
Despite receiving the show cause notice, Sreesanth remained defiant and continued to criticize KCA in an interview with Kerala media outlet Onmanorama. He questioned KCA’s recruitment strategy, alleging that the association prioritizes players from other states over local Malayali talent.
“They bring in players from other states to represent Kerala. For what reason? It is disrespectful to our Malayali cricketers,” he asserted.
“We have just one player at international level, Sanju. Let’s all support him,” Sreesanth said. “The so-called KCA has not produced an international cricketer since Sanju. We have great players like Sachin, Nidheesh, Vishnu Vinod, and many others, but are they (KCA) pushing them to play at higher?” he questioned.
