'KCA has something against my child': Sanju Samson's father makes explosive allegations

In a fiery outburst, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's father, Samson Viswanath, has accused the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) of actively blocking his son's opportunities in the India National Cricket Team after he was ignored for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

His emotional frustration came after Sanju Samson was shockingly excluded from India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, due to his absence from the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25—India’s premier 50-over tournament.

Sanju Samson’s father slams KCA after his son’s exclusion from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer for the India National Cricket Team, scoring a century in his last ODI and T20I match. But, despite his stellar form, the India wicketkeeper-batter was snubbed for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19.

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Expressing his outrage, Samson Viswanath claimed that some Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) officials have been conspiring against his son and accused them of being a hurdle in Sanju Samson’s way to receiving the recognition that he deserves.

Earlier, the KCA said that Samson opted against taking part in the preparatory camp, and that’s why he was not selected for the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, which played a key role in the Kerala star’s omission for the upcoming prestigious tournament.

There are people within KCA who have something against my child: Sanju Samson's father

But Sanju’s father claimed that it was already clear that the Rajasthan Royals skipper wouldn’t be selected for the tournament long before the camp even began. He believes his son’s future in the game is being unfairly jeopardized due to personal grudges and politics within the KCA.

Samson Viswanath was quoted as saying by Mathrubhumi.com: “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. It’s not about Jayesh George (KCA president) or Vinod (KCA secretary); it’s some small people in between who turn everything into poison over trivial matters.”

Viswanath also recalled how the KCA had previously denied an opportunity to his older son, Saly Samson, because of an injury. He also pointed out an incident where he was disrespected by the then KCA president, TC Mathew, when he requested leave for his injured son.

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Samson Viswanath demands a fair chance for his son

Samson signed off by saying, “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.”

Notably, Sanju will next be seen in action in the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting on Wednesday, January 22, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After this T20I series, the Men in Blue will play three ODIs against England and then travel to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Samson will have to shift focus to the IPL 2025 where he will lead Rajasthan Royals, having been dropped from India’s ODI set-up.