Sun Jan 19 11:34:05 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Cricket Association Blamed for Sanju Samson’s Champions Trophy Snub
**NEW DELHI, January 18, 2025** – Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has accused the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) of sabotaging Sanju Samson’s chances of selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Samson, a highly-rated wicketkeeper-batsman, was overlooked for the 15-member squad, with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul preferred.
Tharoor alleges that the KCA’s decision to drop Samson from the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 squad due to his prior notification of unavailability for a training camp, directly led to his exclusion from the national team. He highlighted Samson’s impressive form, including a recent century against South Africa and a high average of 56.66 in ODIs, questioning the KCA’s rationale. Tharoor further criticized the KCA for its actions, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the association’s decision not only cost Samson a place in the Champions Trophy but also hampered Kerala’s performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, preventing them from even reaching the quarterfinals.
Samson, 30, has been in exceptional form recently, scoring three centuries in his last five T20 innings and a century in his last ODI against South Africa in December 2023. Despite his impressive ODI average of 56.66 from 14 matches (including one century and three half-centuries), the team management opted for Rishabh Pant. Tharoor’s statement has sparked controversy and renewed debate over the selection process and the role of state associations in player development.
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