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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been named the official Tournament Icon for the 2026 season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). The announcement marks Samson’s transition from active player participation to a prominent ambassador role for the state’s premier T20 franchise tournament.
A Thiruvananthapuram native, Samson has long been a central figure in Kerala’s cricket landscape. Beyond captaining the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has consistently represented Kerala in domestic cricket and supported the KCL since its inception. His value to the league was underscored in the previous season when he was acquired by Kochi Blue Tigers for a record fee during the player auction.
Samson will not compete in the 2026 edition due to existing commitments. Instead, he will champion the tournament through fan engagement, promotional activities, and initiatives to nurture young cricketers in the state. The KCA emphasizes that his visibility will elevate the league’s profile and inspire the next generation of Kerala’s cricket talent.
The player auction concluded with franchises finalizing their squads. Kochi Blue Tigers retained several key players but will manage without Samson, a cornerstone of their previous lineups.
The 31-year-old remains a fixture in India’s white-ball plans despite recent struggles. His performances on England’s white-ball tour dipped, leading to his exclusion from the Zimbabwe series squad. He retains his spot for the Asian Games, highlighting his enduring potential.
