The BCCI recently announced the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and one notable exclusion from the squad was of Sanju Samson.
Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad has drawn sharp criticism from his father Samson Viswanath who has accused the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) of deliberately hindering his son’s cricketing career. The controversy arises amidst claims that Sanju’s decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 played a role in his omission from the national team, despite his impressive performances, including centuries in his most recent ODI and T20I matches.
Sanju, who captained Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, did not feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad. According to the KCA officials, his absence from a three-day preparatory camp in Wayanad led to his exclusion. However, Samson Viswanath disputes this, stating that the decision to leave his son out had already been made long before the tournament began. He alleged that certain individuals within the KCA harbor biases against Sanju and have been unfairly targeting him.
While speaking in an interview, Viswanath expressed frustration, claiming that his son was being singled out while others who missed the camp were allowed to participate. He suggested that internal politics and personal grievances were behind the decisions. Viswanath emphasised that his family had always maintained a respectful silence in the past but felt compelled to speak out due to the escalating unfair treatment.
He also recounted a past incident involving his elder son where the KCA allegedly denied him opportunities following an injury. Highlighting this pattern of behaviour, Viswanath criticised the association for fostering an environment where personal agendas overshadow merit. He recalled being disrespected by a former KCA president, TC Mathew, when he sought leave on behalf of his injured son, further illustrating the strained relationship between his family and the association.
Viswanath concluded by stating that as sportspersons, his family has no interest in the politics of the sport but seeks fairness and transparency. He reiterated his willingness to address and rectify any perceived mistakes, as long as his son is given the opportunities he deserves based on his abilities and performances.
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