KCA Lifts Three-Year Ban On S Sreesanth After Unconditional Apology

World Cup winners [Source: AFP]In a major relief for former India pacer S Sreesanth, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has officially revoked the three-year ban imposed on 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup winner.On Wednesday, the KCA announced that it had decided to lift the suspension after considering Sreesanth's unconditional apology for the remarks he made against the association. The decision was taken during the KCA's Special General Body meeting held on July 1, where all members unanimously agreed to revoke the ban.Why Was S Sreesanth Banned For Three Years?Notably, the Kerala Cricket Association had banned Sreesanth for three years last year after accusing him of making false and defamatory statements against the organisation.The controversy began after India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was left out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Reacting to Samson's exclusion, Sreesanth publicly questioned the Kerala Cricket Association's role in the matter and criticised the state body.At that time, Sreesanth was also associated with the Kollam Aries franchise in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). The Kerala board viewed his comments as damaging to the image of the association and decided to impose a three-year suspension, preventing him from participating in cricket-related activities under its jurisdiction.S Sreesanth’s Unconditional Apology Leads To Ban Being RevokedHowever, the situation has now changed after S Sreesanth repeatedly apologised to the KCA for his comments.According to the KCA, the decision to lift the suspension was taken after receiving an unconditional apology from the ex India pacer, in which he expressed regret over his remarks against the association.While revoking the ban, the KCA made it clear that any similar behaviour in the future would invite strict disciplinary action.As the suspension has now been lifted, Sreesanth will continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in Season 3 of KCL.Also Read: Dhoni, Rohit, Kohli Set Aside! Sreesanth Picks India’s Greatest CaptainS Sreesanth's Career Has Seen Several ControversiesAlthough Sreesanth enjoyed a successful international career, he has also been involved in several high-profile controversies.One of the most controversial incidents took place during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. After a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in Mohali, Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth during the post-match handshake. The emotional images of Sreesanth in tears became one of the most talked-about moments in IPL history, while Harbhajan Singh was later punished for his actions.A few years later, Sreesanth faced an even bigger setback. In 2013, he was handed a life ban from cricket after being accused of spot-fixing during the IPL. He was charged with accepting money in exchange for conceding a pre-determined number of runs in three different matches.However, in March 2019, Supreme Court set aside the lifetime ban, calling the punishment "too harsh." Following the court's decision, the BCCI reduced the suspension to 7 years, which officially ended in September 2020.Despite the controversies, Sreesanth remains one of India's memorable fast bowlers and was part of two historic World Cup-winning teams. He represented India in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is.Also Read: IPL Players Who Failed At Mumbai Indians, But Flourished At CSK