The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has imposed a three-year suspension on former Indian pacer S Sreesanth for making "defamatory remarks" against the board during a controversy surrounding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from domestic tournaments. The decision, taken during a General Body meeting in Kochi on April 30, also includes plans to file a compensation claim against Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, and two others for "baseless allegations" tied to the wicketkeeper-batter’s non-selection.

Sreesanth, co-owner of Kerala Cricket League franchise Kollam Aeries, had criticized the KCA for allegedly sidelining Samson from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy squads, claiming it impacted his Champions Trophy 2025 selection chances. “They take players from other states… disrespectful to our Malayali cricketers. Let’s all support Sanju,” Sreesanth stated. The KCA refuted his claims, stating Sreesanth was “unaware of Kerala cricket” and highlighting that he “has not been acquitted in the IPL spot-fixing case,” despite court-dismissed criminal proceedings.

While show-cause notices were issued to Kollam Aeries and two other franchises, no action was taken against them after satisfactory responses. The KCA, however, advised stricter oversight in team management appointments. The board emphasized its “goodwill” in reintegrating Sreesanth post his previous ban but deemed his recent remarks as damaging to its reputation.