India have named their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, as they aim to win their second ICC trophy in less than a year after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. While some familiar names feature in the 15-man squad, one massive name missing was that of Sanju Samson. There were reports that Samson was in contention to be one of the wicketkeepers in the squad.

However, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were the two wicketkeeper-batters in the side. Samson’s father has now lashed out at the Kerala Cricket Association after his son was not selected.

Reports have stated that Samson did not attend the Kerala camp set up by the KCA. Instead, he chose to stay back, and hence the board did not select him for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. According to a report by India Today, this did not sit well with the BCCI selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar. Hence, he was not selected for the ODI series vs England and the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sanju Samson’s Father Lashes Out At KCA

In an interaction with Mathrubhumi.com, Samson Viswanath, Sanju’s father, claimed that the KCA had something against his son. He also revealed that many players who did not attend the camp were allowed to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“There are people within KCA who have something against my child, 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,” the father was quoted as saying by Mathrubhumi English.

Viswanath, however, said that they are open to discussion with the KCA to fix things as he wants his son to be given a fair chance to play.

“It’s not about Jayesh George (KCA president) or Vinod S Kumar (Board Secretary); it’s some small people in between who turn everything into poison over trivial matters, 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 added.