The long-running legal battle involving former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth, his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, and an insurance company has once again made headlines. The dispute, which began over 13 years ago, has now reached the Supreme Court of India after the insurance company challenged a previous verdict in favor of Rajasthan Royals.

"666" data-end="1022">The case dates back to the 2012 Indian Premier League season, when Sreesanth, then playing for Rajasthan Royals, was ruled out due to a knee injury. Following his exclusion, Rajasthan Royals claimed insurance money of ₹82 lakh, which they argued was their right since franchises insure players to safeguard against such injury-related losses.

However, the insurance company denied the claim, alleging that Rajasthan Royals had not been transparent about the true nature of Sreesanth’s injury. This refusal sparked a prolonged legal tussle that continues to this day.

Insurance company’s allegation: Old injury not disclosed

According to the insurance company, Sreesanth’s injury did not occur during the 2012 season. Instead, they claimed he had been carrying a toe injury since 2011, well before the IPL began. The company argued that this pre-existing condition was not disclosed when the insurance was purchased, making the Royals’ demand for compensation invalid.

The insurer further maintained that Sreesanth’s absence from the 2012 IPL was not due to a fresh knee injury, as the franchise claimed, but rather linked to his ongoing fitness concerns from the previous year.

Rajasthan Royals’ counter-argument

Rajasthan Royals have consistently denied these allegations. The franchise maintains that Sreesanth’s toe injury from 2011 had fully healed and was not the reason for his absence in 2012. Instead, the Royals insist that it was a separate knee injury that sidelined the pacer during that IPL season, and hence, their claim for insurance money is legitimate.

The team further argued that all due disclosures were made to the insurance company at the time of the contract, and therefore, the denial of their claim was unjustified.

NCDRC verdict in favor of Rajasthan Royals

In a significant development earlier, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) ruled in favor of Rajasthan Royals. The commission directed the insurance company to pay the ₹82 lakh compensation to the franchise, acknowledging their claim as valid.

This verdict was seen as a major victory for Rajasthan Royals, as it recognized the legitimacy of their stance in the matter.

Case escalates to the Supreme Court

Unwilling to accept the NCDRC’s decision, the insurance company has now approached the Supreme Court of India. The company has filed a petition challenging the order, maintaining its position that Rajasthan Royals were dishonest in their disclosures and that the claim should not be honored.

The Supreme Court will now hear the case and deliver a judgment that could set an important precedent for insurance disputes in sports, especially in cases involving player injuries and franchise claims.

Why this case matters

This 13-year-old dispute highlights the complexities of sports insurance contracts, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the IPL, where injuries to star players can result in massive financial losses for franchises. The final ruling from the Supreme Court will not only determine the fate of Rajasthan Royals’ insurance claim but could also influence how future insurance agreements are structured between teams and insurers.

For Sreesanth, who has already faced a roller-coaster cricketing career marked by highs and controversies, this legal battle is another reminder of how his name continues to surface in cricketing headlines, even years after his retirement.