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Sanju Samson | File Photo: MBI
Indian cricketer Sanju Samson is currently at a pivotal juncture in his career, with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) embroiled in a dispute over his exclusion from key tournaments. Amidst this turmoil, both the Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan Cricket Associations have reportedly extended offers to include Samson in their respective teams. Sources suggest that the decision now rests with the player, as both states’ cricket boards have expressed their willingness to accommodate him.
The discord between Samson and the KCA surfaced after his exclusion from the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy, which fuelled speculation about a rift between the cricketer and the association. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, was the first to publicly comment on the issue. Tharoor suggested that Samson's omission from the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy was a result of internal ego-related conflicts within the association. In response, the KCA accused Samson of not attending the camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, without providing any clear reason.
Kerala Cricket Association President Jayesh George clarified the situation, stating, "Sanju only sent a brief email to the KCA secretary stating that he would not be attending. He didn’t provide any reason. After the camp ended and the team was announced, he sent another email saying he would be available. This isn’t the first time Sanju has played for KCA. When a camp is announced, a senior player like him should at least send a message explaining the reason for his absence. He didn’t do that." George further added in an interview with a private channel, "Because Sanju did not provide a valid reason, he was not included in the team."
Sources suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors were also displeased with Samson’s failure to attend the training camp without providing a clear explanation. The BCCI is said to expect greater commitment from senior players in domestic cricket, which may have influenced their decision.
In a dramatic twist, Samson’s father, Viswanath Samson, has raised serious concerns about the Kerala Cricket Association, alleging that certain individuals within the body have actively worked to block his son's opportunities. The frustration of the Samson family became evident after Sanju was excluded from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, despite other players who also missed the camp being allowed to participate.
Viswanath Samson told Mathrubhumi.com that it was known before the camp that Sanju would not be selected for the tournament. He accused the KCA of holding a personal grudge against his son, adding that the decision to exclude Sanju was made well in advance. “There are people within KCA who have something against my child,” Viswanath Samson said. “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 also suggested that some individuals within the KCA appear to harbour personal vendettas. "It’s not about Jayesh George or Vinod; it’s some small people in between who turn everything into poison over trivial matters,” Viswanath added, referring to instances when he or his son may have inadvertently offended members within the association.
The Samson family’s grievances are not new, with Viswanath recalling a past incident when the KCA denied an opportunity for his elder son, who aspired to play for India, due to an injury. He recalled how he was disrespected by the then KCA president, T.C. Mathew, after requesting leave for 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,” he said, urging the KCA to allow Sanju to showcase his talent.
The ongoing tensions between the Samson family and the Kerala Cricket Association have only intensified since Sanju's exclusion from the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy. Shashi Tharoor also weighed in on the matter, criticising the KCA for its role in Sanju’s career setbacks, blaming the association’s internal politics for hindering the young cricketer’s progress.
As the situation develops, Sanju Samson finds himself at a crossroads, with the future of his career in Kerala uncertain. Both Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have expressed interest in securing his services, offering him a fresh start. It remains to be seen whether Samson will continue his association with Kerala or embrace new opportunities with one of the rival boards, as both states eagerly await his decision.
This unfolding drama marks a decisive chapter in the career of a cricketer whose potential has long been recognised, but whose relationship with his home association appears to be on the verge of an irreversible fracture.
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