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'When Sreesanth Was In Jail…,' KCA Calls Out Indian Star As Samson's Omission Controversy Catches Fire

Muskaan Bhatt

Sreesanth on Sanju Samson (Source: @PatelCricinfo/X.com)Sreesanth on Sanju Samson (Source: @PatelCricinfo/X.com)

Kerala Cricket Association has lashed out at former Kerala player, S Sreesanth over his latest remarks in support of Sanju Samson. The former India player had earlier questioned KCA on their decision to overlook Sanju Samson from the domestic white-ball season for Kerala. As per reports, India opener was not included in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad for not playing the Vijay Hazare tournament.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) issued a show-cause notice to Sreesanth not for supporting Sanju Samson, but for making false and defamatory statements, which KCA claimed violated his contractual terms as co-owner of the Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League. 

In its response, KCA reminded Sreesanth of their past support during his spot-fixing case, even when he was in jail. The association highlighted its commitment to supporting players in difficult situations, subtly criticising Sreesanth for his criticism.

Whole Sanju Samson-KCA-Sreesanth Explained:

Here's how the series of events unfolded:

1) KCA Does Not Include Sanju Samson

KCA announce squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy and Sanju Samson is not included. During this time, a lot of reports suggesting Sanju had disciplinary issues gained momentum. However in an official statement by KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar, he revealed why Samson was not included and said:

"Sanju had sent an email stating that he would not be available for the camp. The team had a short camp in Wayanad without him. Naturally, we only considered those who were part of the sessions for selection. There has been no further discussion with him on the matter.”

2) Sreesanth Jumps In Support Of Samson

Sreesanth's expressed his frustration with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for prioritizing players from other states over local Malayali cricketers. He criticizes the KCA for not focusing on the development of homegrown talent. He pointed out that the state has only one player, Sanju Samson, representing India at the international level, suggesting that the KCA should better support local talent. He said:

“They (KCA) take players from other states to play for us. For what? Disrespectful to our Malayali cricketers. We have just one player at international level, Sanju. Let’s all support him.The so-called KCA has not produced an international cricketer since Sanju. We have great players like Sachin, Nidheesh, Vishnu Vinod, and many others, but are they (KCA) pushing them to play at higher?”

3) KCA Insults Sreesanth Recalling Match-Fixing Scandal

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) pointed out that when Sreesanth was in jail due to the match-fixing allegations, KCA officials provided him with support. While the court eventually quashed the criminal case against Sreesanth, it notes that he was never fully acquitted of match-fixing charges. 

“When Sreesanth was in jail facing allegations in the infamous match-fixing scandal, KCA officials visited and supported him. Although the court quashed the criminal case, it is a fact that he has not been acquitted in the match-fixing case. In such a situation, there is no need for Sreesanth to take up the protection of other players,” the statement read.

Their official statement suggests that Sreesanth should acknowledge the role the KCA played in his comeback rather than criticizing their handling of local talent and cricket development.

“It was only because of KCA’s protective approach that Sreesanth was given opportunities in matches including the Ranji Trophy after completing his sentence. It is worth investigating whether other associations have taken such a favorable approach towards players involved in match-fixing,” it further quoted.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was a part of India's T20I series against England however he failed to make an impact as he managed to accumulate only 51 runs from five innings.