Big relief for Sreesanth! Kerala Cricket Association lifts three-year ban after unconditional apology

Kerala Cricket Association lifts Sreesanth’s ban. (NOT a photo) NEW DELHI: Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth received a major boost after the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) lifted the three-year ban imposed on him, paving the way for his further involvement in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).The decision was taken at a special general body meeting of the KCA held on July 1, where members unanimously agreed to lift the suspension after considering Sreesanth’s unconditional apology for his remarks against the association.The former India pacer was earlier suspended for three years for comments made through visual and social media platforms which the KCA said brought the association into disrepute. Sreesanth challenged the disciplinary proceedings in the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his plea was rejected, according to an ANI report.

An unconditional apology changes KCA’s stance

After the court proceedings, Sreesanth tendered an official unconditional apology in which he expressed regret for his comments directed at the Kerala Cricket Association.After a detailed discussion of the apology, the KCA decided to lift the ban while making it clear that any similar behavior in the future would require strict disciplinary action.The decision comes as a significant relief to the 43-year-old who can now continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in Season 3 of the Kerala Cricket League. The ban was imposed before the previous KCL season, creating uncertainty about his role in the franchise.

Sreesanth’s cricket career

Sreesanth enjoyed a memorable international career for India, representing the country in all three formats. He has played 27 Tests, 53 One Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals.In Test cricket, the right-arm pacer claimed 87 wickets at an average of 37.59, including three five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 5/40 in an innings and 8/99 in the match. He also took 75 wickets in ODIs, including a career-best 6/55, while seven wickets in T20Is.His domestic record was equally impressive, with 213 wickets in 74 first-class matches, 124 wickets in 92 List A matches and 54 wickets in 65 T20 matches.