Courtesy: Google

Courtesy: Google

Sanju Samson had earlier chosen to skip Kerala's three-day Vijay Hazare Trophy practice camp in Wayanad in December for personal reasons, and as a result, he was not selected for the elite domestic 50-over competition by the Kerala Cricket Association. However, the decision of Samson to skip domestic cricket hasn't gone down well with the BCCI, and he may miss the three-match ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. According to a report, the BCCI intends to investigate why Samson did not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

BCCI, which has set a new rule for cricketers, has mentioned that all cricketers have to participate in domestic cricket to keep their form and fitness intact. “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," BCCI source said, as quoted by Times of India.

Indian selectors are looking for a valid reason about Sanju Samson missing VHT

Although Samson has been selected for the five-match T20I series against England, which begins on January 22 in Kolkata, his decision to forgo the Vijay Hazare Trophy may jeopardize his chances of selection for the 50-over contests.

“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 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," the BCCI source further said.

According to the Kerala Cricket Association, Samson was not selected since he expressed his unavailability for the pre-tournament camp. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer had last year missed signing their central contracts for missing domestic matches without prior permission.

Samson, who has scored three centuries and two ducks in his past five Twenty20 Internationals for India, last played an ODI in December 2023 against South Africa. He scored 108 runs off 114 balls, including six fours and three sixes in the last match. In case Samson couldn't make it to the team, Dhruv Jurel or Ishan Kishan may end up getting a spot instead of him for the wicket-keeper position.