Kerala Cricket Association lifts 3-year ban on S Sreesanth after unconditional apology

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has lifted the three-year ban imposed on former India fast bowler S Sreesanth after he submitted an unconditional apology. The decision was taken during a special general body meeting on Wednesday, bringing an end to the disciplinary action that was imposed on the former cricketer last year.

According to the KCA, Sreesanth expressed regret over the remarks he had made against the association and submitted an unconditional apology. After reviewing his apology, the association decided to revoke the suspension with immediate effect. The ban had been imposed ahead of the previous Kerala Cricket League (KCL) season over statements that the KCA described as false and defamatory.

Sreesanth had earlier challenged the three-year suspension in the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed. With the ban now officially revoked, the former India pacer is eligible to participate in KCA-related cricket activities again, marking the end of a dispute that lasted for more than a year.

KCA special general body unanimously votes to revoke Sreesanth's ban

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) said the three-year ban on S Sreesanth was originally imposed ahead of the previous edition of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) following his remarks against the association.

During the KCA's Special General Body meeting held on July 1, 2026, members discussed Sreesanth's unconditional apology in detail. After considering his expression of regret, the general body unanimously voted to revoke the three-year suspension.

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However, the KCA also issued a warning, stating that any similar conduct in the future would lead to strict disciplinary action. With the ban now lifted, Sreesanth will continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3.

Why Sreesanth was banned in the first place — And what his apology said

The two-time World Cup winner was suspended by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) in February 2025 after he questioned the association over Sanju Samson's exclusion from Kerala's squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The KCA alleged that Sreesanth's comments on television and social media were defamatory and had brought disrepute to the association, leading to a three-year ban.

Sreesanth challenged the suspension before the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed. After the legal proceedings, he submitted an unconditional apology to the KCA, expressing regret for his remarks. During its Special General Body meeting on July 1, 2026, the association discussed the apology in detail and unanimously decided to revoke the ban. However, it also warned that any similar conduct in the future would invite strict disciplinary action.

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The KCA also referred to the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case while defending its decision to act against Sreesanth. The association said it had supported the former India fast bowler during difficult times, including when he was in jail during the investigation. It added that although the criminal case was later quashed, Sreesanth should not have made public remarks that damaged the association's reputation. With the suspension now lifted, Sreesanth is eligible to continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors in Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3.

What this means for Sreesanth's return to Kerala Cricket League Season 3

With the three-year suspension now revoked, S Sreesanth is free to continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors in the upcoming Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3. The Kerala Cricket Association had earlier imposed the ban ahead of the previous KCL season, preventing him from being associated with the league.

Sreesanth enjoyed a successful international career with India and was part of the squads that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. He played 27 Tests, taking 87 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. In 53 ODIs, he claimed 75 wickets, while he picked up seven wickets in 10 T20Is.

At the domestic level, Sreesanth was one of Kerala's most successful fast bowlers. He finished his career with 213 wickets in 74 first-class matches, 124 wickets in 92 List A matches, and 54 wickets in 65 T20 matches. With the ban lifted, he can now resume his role with the Aries Kollam Sailors as the franchise prepares for KCL Season 3.