And now, Sreesanth too in the line of Board’s ire

Following his comments on the endorsement cap introduced by BCCI, the fast bowler could soon join Sachin and Yuvraj in being asked for an explanation for speaking to the press without prior permission, reports Amol Karhadkar.

Following his comments on the controversial endorsement cap introduced by the Indian cricket board, fast bowler S Sreesanth could soon join Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in being asked for an explanation for speaking to the press without prior permission.

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According to PTI, the Kerala bowler said in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening that advertisements do not affect players' performance. "What's wrong if we do it? Cricket is a religion in India; it is not like in other countries... And it (endorsements) will not affect the performance," he was quoted as saying.

"For example, Sachin drinks Boost (in an advertisement). If you can sell a product why not do it? Advertisements will not affect the performance for sure."

After seeking explanations from Tendulkar and Yuvraj for their remarks made to the media earlier in the month, the Board has issued a directive to international cricketers to not speak to the media without prior permission. And Sreesanth's comments have surely not gone down well with them.

So, will the BCCI take action against Sreesanth? "He surely faces some action," said a senior Board functionary on condition of anonymity, but would not say what that action could be. But he added that if Sreesanth didn't agree with the Board's view, he had the option of not accepting the terms of contract.

"We have sent a draft contract to all the players engaged for national duty," he said. "If Sreesanth doesn't agree with it, he has the option of not signing this contract." Watch this space for more.