The election of a new BCCI body is being hailed as a fresh dawn for Indian cricket. But if it is truly a dawn, then why must Telangana continue to remain in darkness? For decades, four crore people of this state have been denied their rightful place in Indian cricket. As Secretary of the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA), I have lived this fight, I have seen the dreams of thousands of boys fade, and I know this is not a demand for charity—it is a cry for justice.
How HCA Betrayed Telangana
When I look back, it hurts. For 65 years—since 1961—Telangana has had no voice at cricket’s most powerful table. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), which should have nurtured talent, instead became a den of corruption. Its officials have gone to jail, funds have been looted, and probes by CID, ACB, and Vigilance have already exposed the rot. Now, even the High Court is considering handing the mess to the CBI and ED.
And in all this chaos, who paid the price? Not the corrupt. The victims are our boys from rural Telangana, who carried kits heavier than their hopes, waiting for a chance that never came. I have met them, spoken to their parents, seen the fire in their eyes—and then seen that fire die out.
That is why I say: cricket cannot remain hostage to profiteers and politicians. It must return to the cricketers. And that is where TCA steps in.
Why TCA is Different
From day one, we built TCA on a simple promise: we will not repeat HCA’s sins. Our structure today covers all 33 districts of Telangana. We chose transparency over corruption, merit over nepotism, and opportunity over politics.
Our vision is clear, and it is already taking shape:
- An International Stadium that Telangana can call its own.
- Four IPL-standard grounds.
- Ten Academies of Excellence.
- Full access to government sports infrastructure.
These are not pipe dreams scribbled on paper. These are projects already moving on the ground.
Ten Years of Proof
Over the last decade, we have shown what genuine cricket leadership looks like. We have conducted 70+ state-level tournaments with over 22,000 players, watched by lakhs of spectators. For many youngsters, TCA has been the only window to hope.
We have groomed talent for BCCI age-group cricket, Ranji Trophy, and IPL readiness. Each year of non-recognition is another year where some player’s prime is wasted. That loss is personal to me.
We have also fought our battles in court and won: more than a dozen High Court and Supreme Court orders, two BCCI directives, and full compliance with Justice Lodha reforms. Unlike HCA, our leadership is made of cricketers—not profiteers in disguise.
Stories From the Ground
Some moments stay etched in my memory. In 2016–17, we launched the U-19 State League, sponsored by the GVK Group. Thirty-two district teams, mentored by legends like Syed Abid Ali, went toe to toe with Vidarbha and Bangalore sides—and matched them. That day, I knew Telangana boys could stand tall on any stage.
Another memory: our boys training at the Vizzy Trophy Camp in 2016–17. On the fourth day, they defeated the Vizzy Trophy squad in a 40-over game. For me, it was a prophecy—Telangana can produce champions if given the platform.
At Shadnagar, the “Prime Minister Cup” brought 205 teams from 180 villages together. Three thousand boys registered; 256 were handpicked for advanced training. At Achampet, 180 teams from 130 villages unearthed 170 natural talents. These are not just numbers. These are lives redirected away from alcohol, drugs, and hopelessness—toward cricket.
Recognition = Justice + Growth
We have fought on the ground, in the courts, and at BCCI’s doors. Fake associations have collapsed. HCA has lost all legitimacy. And yet, TCA continues, because we refuse to give up on our youth.
Recognition will not just do justice to Telangana’s cricketers—it will restore faith in BCCI itself. Imagine highways dotted with cricket sponsorships, local Premier Leagues creating jobs, and district pride swelling across the state. This is bigger than sport. This is culture. This is an economy. This is dignity.
The Road Ahead
Our blueprint is ready:
- 1 International Stadium
- 4 IPL-ready grounds
- 10 elite academies
- 33 district academies feeding grassroots talent
- A pipeline reaching national and international platforms
More Than Cricket
When I meet a boy from a village who says, “Sir, will I ever play Ranji?” I cannot lie to him. I tell him: Yes, if BCCI gives Telangana its due. That is why this fight matters.
We are not just building cricket teams. We are building dreams, discipline, and dignity for an entire generation. Recognition from BCCI is not a favor—it is a responsibility long denied.
The time for delay is over. Telangana cricket deserves its rightful place on the national stage—before another generation of dreams is lost to politics and profiteers.
