Politis

Thunderbolts Criticize National Team Call-Ups, Calling Practice ‘Incomprehensible’

Published February 19, 2026, 12:19
Thunderbolts Criticize National Team Call-Ups, Calling Practice ‘Incomprehensible’

Keravnos Strovolou expressed strong dissatisfaction with the call-ups of several injured players from their team to the Cyprus national basketball team, ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers. The team considers this practice ‘incomprehensible’ and ‘outrageous’, as players unable to participate due to injuries are being called up, while questioning the absence of other international players from the call-up. Keravnos points out that all Cypriot players on the team are being called up, including those sidelined due to injury, while players from other teams with significant contributions to the national team remain uncalled. The team also expresses concern that the national coach is simultaneously the coach of Keravnos’ main rival for the championship and cup. The Keravnos announcement highlights that this practice directly affects the outcome of domestic competitions, as the qualifying matches come just before critical league and cup games. The team requests more convincing answers from those responsible, emphasizing the importance of service to the national team, as well as the need to protect the health of athletes and ‘Fair Play’. This situation causes concern for Keravnos, as they believe this continued practice undermines the credibility of player selection for the national team and creates doubts about the motives behind the decisions.