“Samson’s Champions Trophy Omission Sparks Feud With Kerala Association”
January 21, 2025: The controversy surrounding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s ICC Champions Trophy squad has escalated, with his father alleging bias within the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). Despite his stellar ODI record, Samson was overlooked in favor of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, with his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy being cited as a critical factor.
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Kerala Cricket Feud Boils Over Samson’s Snub
Sanju Samson’s non-selection for India’s Champions Trophy squad has caused uproar among fans and critics, with many questioning the selection committee’s decision to omit the talented wicketkeeper-batter. According to reports, Samson’s exclusion is tied to his unavailability for Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, stemming from his absence at the state team’s camp.
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Father’s Fiery Allegations
Viswanath Samson, Sanju’s father, has accused certain KCA officials of bias against his son. “There are people in KCA who hold something against my child. We’ve never spoken out before, but this time, it’s gone too far,” Viswanath told Mathrubhumi English. He also pointed out the inconsistency in treatment, noting that other players who missed the camp were still allowed to play.
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Sanju Samson’s Stand
Sanju Samson has reportedly expressed willingness to resolve the matter with the KCA, emphasizing his desire to represent Kerala fairly. His father added, “We are ready to discuss and fix any issues. All we want is a fair chance for Sanju.”
KCA’s Response
Jayesh George, KCA president, maintained that Samson’s absence from the camp was unacceptable. He stated, “Sanju will be eligible for Kerala selection if he attends the camps. If he misses them, he will be left out.”
Looking Ahead
While the controversy simmers, Samson is currently focused on playing against England in Kolkata, showcasing his commitment to the national team despite the state-level dispute.
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Sanju Samson, Champions Trophy, Kerala Cricket Association, KCA controversy, Indian Cricket, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jayesh George, Indian cricket selection, cricket politics.