Sanju Samson to face Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan treatment? BCCI furious over batter's VHT snub

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to investigate Sanju Samson's surprising decision not to participate in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, despite the board and the Indian cricket team management prioritizing domestic cricket.

After many years of being in and out of the Indian cricket team, Sanju Samson has just found some stability, but he left the selectors and the BCCI disappointed with his decision to skip the ongoing 50-over tournament ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Sanju Samson’s spot in Indian cricket team at risk after skipping Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter is likely to be dropped from the team if he fails to provide a valid reason for not making himself available for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, despite knowing the fact that it will play a major role in the selection for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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Earlier, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) expressed disappointment over Samson’s decision. Actually, Samson was left out of the Kerala squad for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 after he opted out of a preparatory camp ahead of the tournament.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Secretary Vinod S Kumar said that the state body prioritized giving opportunities to younger players rather than keeping a spot uncertain due to Samson’s unavailability for the tournament despite the BCCI mandating the players to play domestic cricket.

Sanju Samson enjoys a holiday in Dubai!!

Now, BCCI insiders revealed that the national selectors, team management, and the board officials are all set to discuss Sanju Samson’s case before they finalize India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on January 19.

The BCCI source was quoted as saying by Times of India: “The selectors and the board have been very clear on the importance of domestic cricket. Last year, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer lost central contracts for missing domestic matches without seeking permission. Even in Samson's case, the board and selectors were not given any reason why he missed the tournament. All that is known so far is that he spends much of his time in Dubai.”

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BCCI to review Sanju Samson's absence from VHT before finalizing ODI squad

The source added, “The selectors would want a valid reason. Otherwise, it will be difficult to consider him for the ODI season. Samson has had a bitter history with the KCA, but that needs to be sorted out for him to play in domestic cricket. It can't be that the state association and he have a misunderstanding, and he misses out on game time. He did play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy preceding the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”

Notably, the BCCI has recently announced new policies for the Indian cricket team, mandating players to participate in domestic matches to stay eligible for national selection and central contracts.

The board wants the player to keep connected with domestic cricket, support talent growth, maintain fitness, and strengthen the cricketing structure in India. This policy motivates emerging players by allowing them to compete with top cricketers in the domestic circuit.