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Sanju Samson led Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy last year, but he was left out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad for not attending the team’s three-day preparatory camp.
Sanju Samson’s father slams KCA. (Picture Credit: AP, Instagram)
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Viswanath, has slammed the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and alleged that some officials in the cricket board are actively blocking his son’s opportunities in the sport. His reaction came after Sanju was left out of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. It has been reported that Sanju’s decision to skip the 2024-25 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy worked against him, and he was not considered for a place in the Indian team despite scoring a century in his last ODI as well as T20I match.
Sanju, who was a member of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, led Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year but was not included in the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad. KCA secretary and president in the past had said that Samson was ignored for skipping the team’s three-day preparatory camp in Wayanad. But according to Sanju’s father, it was already known that Sanju would not be selected for the tournament (Vijay Hazare Trophy). He accused the KCA of holding a grudge against his son and added that the decision to exclude Sanju was made long before the tournament.
“There are people within KCA who have something against my child,” Samson was quoted as saying by Mathrubhumi.com. “We’ve never spoken out against the association before, but this time, it’s become too much. Sanju isn’t the only one who didn’t attend the camp; yet other players in the same situation were allowed to play,” he added.
“It’s not about Jayesh George (KCA president) or Vinod (KCA secretary); it’s some small people in between who turn everything into poison over trivial matters,” he said.
He recalled the past events and said KCA had earlier denied an opportunity for his elder son due to an injury. He highlighted an incident where he was disrespected by the then KCA president, TC Mathew, after asking for leave on behalf of his injured son.
“We are sportsmen, not interested in the business of sports. All I want is for my son to be given a fair chance to play. If there’s any mistake, we’re open to discussion and ready to fix it,” Samson added.
- Location :
Thiruvananthapuram, India
