‘You were slapped with spot-fixing charges’: Rift widens as KCA slams Sreesanth
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has issued a clarification on the show cause notice issued to former cricketer S Sreesanth. The notice was not issued in relation to his support for Sanju Samson, but rather due to derogatory statements made by Sreesanth against the Association. The KCA's statement referred to Sreesanth's previous involvement in a spot-fixing controversy, reminding the public of the allegations he faced.
Sreesanth, a co-owner of a Kerala Cricket League franchise, was accused of breaching his contract with the KCA by making disparaging remarks about the association. Specifically, his question regarding whether any state player after Sanju Samson had made it into the Indian team was deemed disrespectful. The KCA's press release emphasized that any violation of conduct would not be tolerated, regardless of the individual in question.
The Association reiterated that it has always taken a protective stance towards its players. Even during the dark period of the match-fixing scandal when Sreesanth was imprisoned, KCA officials had visited him in jail and offered support. However, after the allegations of spot-fixing were proven true, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a lifetime ban on Sreesanth, later reducing it to seven years by the BCCI Ombudsman. Although the criminal case against Sreesanth was dismissed, it is a fact that he was not acquitted of the spot-fixing charges. The KCA stressed that someone with such a background should not be in charge of the welfare of its players.
Sreesanth’s comments made in support of Sanju Samson on a private television discussion were deemed as inappropriate, which led the KCA to issue the show cause notice. The notice directed Sreesanth to provide an explanation within seven days. As a co-owner, brand ambassador, and mentor for the Aries Kollam Sailors in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), Sreesanth was asked to clarify his remarks.
After Sanju Samson was left out of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy, criticism of the KCA escalated. It was suggested that Samson’s exclusion from the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy had impacted his chances of making the Champions Trophy squad. Sreesanth came forward to support Samson, leading to further attention on the matter.
The KCA had, however, offered opportunities to Sreesanth in domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy after he completed his suspension. This was reportedly done due to the Association’s protective stance towards its players. The question arose as to whether other associations, where players involved in match-fixing had returned to the fold, would have shown similar support.
The association also reminded the world cup winning player that players like Sajna Sajeevan, Minnu Mani, Asha Sobhana, as well as young talents like Joshitha V.J. and Najla CMC, had all earned spots in national and under-19 teams, something Sreesanth appeared unaware of, indicating a 'lack of knowledge' about Kerala cricket.
The KCA emphasized that violations of conduct will not be allowed under any circumstances, and if someone tarnishes the reputation of the Association with false or misleading statements, appropriate actions will be taken without hesitation.