Thiruvananthapuram, 1 July

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) on Wednesday lifted the three-year ban it had imposed on former international cricketer S Sreesanth last year for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the organisation.

The KCA took the decision to lift the ban in its special general body meeting held during the day, a statement from the association said.

"It was unanimously decided in the meeting to lift the ban. At the same time, the KCA warned Sreesanth that strict disciplinary action will be taken if he repeats such actions in future," it said.

The decision was taken based on the unconditional apology submitted by the cricketer, expressing regret for his remarks against the KCA, the statement said.

The ban was imposed on Sreesanth prior to the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) matches last year after he allegedly made defamatory remarks against the KCA on visual and social media, it said. He allegedly made false and derogatory statements against KCA in connection with the controversy surrounding Sanju Samson's omission from the Indian team for the Champions Trophy.

During a televised discussion, Sreesanth allegedly pledged his support to Samson and vowed to protect him and other Kerala players, while levelling accusations against the KCA.

His remarks came amid criticism of the KCA for dropping Samson from the Kerala squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which was believed to have affected his chances of being selected for India's Champions Trophy team.

After the KCA ban, Sreesanth had claimed that all he did was express support for Sanju, "who is one of our own."

"That's the only act of kindness I've shown. I haven't said anything else against the Association," he had said.

Subsequently, he had moved a munsiff court challenging the KCA's decision, but his plea was rejected.

Thereafter, the cricketer formally submitted an unconditional apology to the KCA, expressing regret for his remarks, the statement said.

With the lifting of the ban, Sreesanth can continue as co-owner of the KCL team Aries Kollam Sailors in the third season of the League, it added.