Sreesanth defends players' endorsements

Sreesanth, the Indian fast bowler, has defended players' endorsing products insisting that it did not affect performance.

"What's wrong if we do it," asked Sreesanth as quoted by PTI. "For example, Sachin [Tendulkar] drinks Boost [in an advertisement]. If you can sell a product why not do it? Advertisements will not affect the performance for sure."

But Sreesanth's remarks may not be looked upon favourably by the Indian board (BCCI) which issued a directive to the players disallowing them from talking to the media without the board's permission after Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh made comments about former coach Greg Chappell to the press. The board issued show-cause notices to the two players for their remarks.

"As far as I know, he [Sreesanth] didn't seek permission before speaking to the press," BCCI joint secretary MP Pandove told the Hindustan Times. "I will ask the state association whether he had asked for their permission." Pandove added that the board had never said that the players should not advertise.