Sreesanth, Sanju Samson had a controversy after KCL 2026 | PC- screengrab
Another day and another controversy involving S Sreesanth. This time, the former Indian seamer has dragged the Indian star and CSK wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson, into it and insulted him publicly.
S Sreesanth and Sanju Samson, both hailing from Kerala, have contributed significantly to Indian cricket, winning two ICC events for the national team, respectively. That said, the two have a long history.
S Sreesanth ignores Sanju Samson, denies handshake with CSK star
During the coveted final of the Kerala Premier League (KCL 2026), a new controversy between S Sreesanth and Sanju Samson unfolded.
After the Thrissur Titans defeated Calicut Globsters in the big final, the co-owner of Aries Kollam Sailors, S Sreesanth, decided not to shake hands with Samson, who was among the dignitaries present for the post-match award ceremony.
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As Sreesanth's co-owned team won the Fair Play award, the former speedster deliberately went past the CSK keeper-batter and shook hands with the official standing next to Samson. The video of Sreesanth and Sanju Samson is making the rounds on social media, with fans calling out the controversial ex-seamer.
Watch: S Sreesanth insults Sanju Samson in KCL 2026 final award ceremony
When Sreesanth faced a ban for standing up for Sanju Samson
Last year, S Sreesanth faced a three-year ban by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) after the former cricketer appartently made 'untrue statement' against the association after Sanju Samson wasn’t included in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, resulting in his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad, according to Sreesanth.
Although Sreesanth made a public apology towards Samson earlier this July, referring to him as “God’s own country's" own and calling him a vital asset and a gem for Kerala cricket. Furthermore, had also stated he didn’t say ‘anything against the association’.
“You must have known that the Kerala Cricket Association has banned me for three years, at least that's what they're saying. I don't know what I have done wrong. I only had good intentions for God's own country and God's own son, supported Sanju," S Sreesanth had said via his Instagram X.
Meanwhile, following his apology, the KCA upheld his three-year ban.
Sreesanth’s early support for Sanju Samson makes current fallout baffling
Back in the day, when Sanju Samson came to the Kerala setup, S Sreesanth was already a massive name and a celebrated bowler who had won two ICC titles with Team India.
The right-arm quick handed Samson his debut cap when he played his maiden first-class game, back in 2011 vs Vidarbha.
Sreesanth was the one who referred Samson’s name to the Rajasthan Royals’ team management, who later called the wicketkeeper for trials ahead of IPL 2013, although Samson had been in the KKR the previous season.
In the following season, the former fast bowler always spoke highly of the current Indian superstar, but the reason behind the current handshake controversy is hard to explain.
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