Sanju Samson to face Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan treatment? BCCI furious at batsman’s VHT scorn
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to investigate Sanju Samson’s surprise decision not to participate in the ongoing 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, despite the Indian cricket team’s board and management prioritizing domestic cricket.
After many years in and out of the Indian cricket team, Sanju Samson has just found some stability but has 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 place in the Indian cricket team is in jeopardy after he skips the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is likely to be dropped from the squad if he fails to provide a valid reason for not making himself available for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2024-25, despite the fact that he will play a major role in the selection for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 .
Earlier, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) expressed disappointment over Samson’s decision. In fact, Samson has been left out of Kerala’s squad for the ongoing 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy after opting out of the preparatory camp ahead of the tournament.
Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary Vinod S Kumar said the state body has prioritized giving opportunities to younger players instead of keeping the spot uncertain due to Samson’s unavailability for the tournament despite the BCCI instructing the players to play domestic cricket.
Sanju Samson is enjoying his vacation in Dubai!!
Now, BCCI insiders have revealed that national selectors, team management and board officials are ready to discuss Sanju Samson’s case before finalizing India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on January 19.
A BCCI source was quoted by the Times of India as saying, “The selectors and the board of directors were very clear about the importance of domestic cricket. Last year, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer lost their central contracts for missing domestic matches without seeking permission. Even in Samson’s case, the committee and selectors were not given any reason why he missed the tournament. So far, it is only known that he spends most of his time in Dubai.”
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BCCI will review Sanju Samson’s absence from VHT before finalizing the ODI squad
The source added: “Selectors would like a valid reason. Otherwise, it will be difficult to consider him for the ODI season. Samson has had a bitter history with KCA but this has to be sorted out before he can play in domestic cricket. It’s not possible that the state association and him are at odds and he’s missing playing time. He played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”
Notably, the BCCI recently announced new rules for the Indian cricket team, mandating players to participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts.
The board wants the player to remain associated with domestic cricket, support talent development, maintain fitness and strengthen the structure of cricket in India. This policy motivates the rising players by allowing them to compete with the best cricketers in the domestic circuit.
