Sun Jan 19 09:02:48 UTC 2025: ## Tharoor Slams KCA and BCCI Over Sanju Samson’s Champions Trophy Snub

**Thiruvananthapuram, [Date]:** Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the exclusion of Sanju Samson from India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Tharoor alleges that Samson’s impressive ODI record, including a recent century against South Africa and a 56.66 average, has been undermined by the KCA’s actions.

Tharoor, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted that Samson’s prior notification to the KCA regarding his unavailability for a training camp led to his omission from the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This, in turn, Tharoor argues, directly contributed to Samson’s exclusion from the national team. He questioned the KCA’s decision, noting that Samson’s absence prevented Kerala from reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

While selectors reportedly favored the experience of Rishabh Pant, Tharoor emphasized Samson’s superior ODI statistics. Samson boasts 510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60, compared to Pant’s 871 runs in 31 matches, averaging 33.50. The fact that Samson’s last 50-over match was on December 21, 2023, due to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, likely played a significant role in the selectors’ decision.

Tharoor’s statement concludes with a scathing critique of the KCA, suggesting that the organization’s actions have potentially jeopardized Samson’s international career. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate surrounding player selection and the influence of domestic cricket politics on national team representation.

Read More