The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has lifted the three-year ban imposed on former India pacer S Sreesanth following his unconditional apology for remarks made via visual and social media that the association deemed defamatory. The decision, taken during the KCA's Special General Body meeting on July 1, 2026, allows Sreesanth to continue as co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3.
Background of the Ban
Sreesanth was suspended for three years after the KCA concluded that his public statements had brought disrepute to the association. He challenged the disciplinary action in the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed. Subsequently, Sreesanth submitted a formal unconditional apology expressing regret over his remarks.
Unanimous Decision to Revoke
The KCA's Special General Body meeting reviewed his apology in detail. According to a KCA statement, the meeting unanimously decided to revoke the ban after considering that Sreesanth had expressed unconditional regret. However, the association warned that any similar conduct in the future would invite strict disciplinary action.
Impact on KCL Participation
With the ban lifted, Sreesanth can resume his role as co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors in the upcoming KCL season. The ban had been imposed ahead of the previous KCL season, preventing his involvement. The KCA has not specified whether the ban's revocation retroactively affects any other restrictions.
Sreesanth's Cricketing Career
Sreesanth represented India across all three formats, playing 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. In Tests, he took 87 wickets at an average of 37.59, with best innings figures of 5/40 and match figures of 8/99, including four four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, he claimed 75 wickets at an average of 33.44, with career-best figures of 6/55. In T20Is, he took seven wickets in 10 matches. In domestic cricket, Sreesanth played 74 first-class matches, taking 213 wickets with best figures of 5/40, along with 124 wickets in 92 List A matches and 54 wickets in 65 T20 games.
