Is Sreesanth Unaware of His Three-Year Suspension?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sreesanth's suspension by the KCA raises questions about athlete accountability.
- The controversy revolves around Sanju Samson's omission from the national team.
- Sreesanth's history of previous controversies adds complexity to his current situation.
- Legal recourse is being considered by Sreesanth concerning his suspension.
- The incident highlights the need for transparency in sports governance.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has refrained from commenting on his three-year suspension imposed by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), asserting that he is unaware of the situation. The KCA suspended Sreesanth due to his alleged false and derogatory remarks against the organization concerning Sanju Samson's exclusion from the national team for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Sreesanth had claimed that the KCA had sidelined Samson to represent the Kerala team last year, which resulted in his non-selection for the national squad.
This decision was made during KCA's annual general body meeting held on April 30 in Kochi, with an official announcement released by the cricket body on Friday.
When approached by IANS for his thoughts on the issue, Sreesanth chose to remain silent, stating, “I’m not aware of it,” in response to inquiries regarding his suspension.
Currently, Sreesanth is anticipating official communication from the KCA, and sources indicate he may pursue legal action against the three-year suspension.
This incident is not the first controversy for Sreesanth. In 2023, he received a legal notice from the Legends League Cricket (LLC) Commissioner following his altercation with the current Indian men's team head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
Previously, during his last IPL match for the Rajasthan Royals against Punjab on May 9, 2013, Sreesanth faced accusations of spot-fixing, leading to his arrest. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout, he was handed a life ban alongside Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila.
He later challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court, which overturned the life ban and directed the BCCI to impose a new punishment. Consequently, his suspension was reduced to seven years, concluding in September 2020.
Afterward, Sreesanth played for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021, with his last first-class match for Kerala occurring against Meghalaya during the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy.
In March 2023, Sreesanth declared his retirement from all formats of cricket.