Sreesanth Faces Three-Year Ban for Defamatory Remarks in Samson Row
The Kerala Cricket Association has suspended S Sreesanth for three years for making false and defamatory statements in the Sanju Samson controversy. The decision was taken at a special general body meeting in Kochi. Sreesanth had made the comments against the state cricket body on a television channel.
Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has been suspended for three years by the Kerala Cricket Association for making false and defamatory statements in connection with the controversy surrounding Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Indian team for the Champions Trophy.
The Kerala Cricket Association said in a statement that the decision was taken at the Special General Body Meeting held in Kochi on April 30. Sreesanth is currently the co-owner of Kollam Aries, a franchise team of the Kerala Cricket League.
Earlier, notices were issued to Sreesanth and his franchise teams Kollam Aries, Alappuzha team lead and Alappuzha Repulse in connection with the controversial statement. The statement said,
"Since the franchise teams have responded satisfactorily to the notice, no further action will be taken against them." However, the meeting decided to advise more caution while appointing members in the team management. "
The general body also resolved to file a compensation claim against Sanju Samson's father Samson Viswanath and two others for making baseless allegations using the name of Sanju Samson.
The KCA had issued a 'show cause' notice to Sreesanth for his comments related to the state cricket body and Samson during a panel discussion on a Malayalam television channel.
In a statement, the KCA had clarified that the notice was not issued to support Samson but for making misleading and derogatory remarks against the association.
During the televised discussion, Sreesanth reportedly pledged his support to Samson and vowed to protect him and other players from Kerala, levelling allegations against the KCA.