Our Sports Correspondent
Hyderabad: The inaugural edition of the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s Sreenidhi University TG20 got off to a spectacular start on Sunday evening, with a dazzling opening ceremony at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium setting the tone for what promises to be Telangana’s biggest domestic T20 extravaganza.
A packed stadium witnessed an enthralling blend of cricket, music and entertainment as actor Vijay Deverakonda and music director Thaman S captivated the audience, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the start of the tournament.
The grand ceremony marked the formal launch of Telangana’s premier T20 competition, an initiative aimed at providing a strong platform for emerging cricketers from across the state.
Several prominent personalities from cricket administration, sports and public life graced the occasion. Among those present were Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand, HCA Acting President Sardar Daljit Singh, BCCI Apex Council Member V. Chamundeswaranath, HCA Secretary M. Jeevan Reddy, Treasurer Dr. Anil Kumar, Joint Secretary Basava Raju, Governing Council Chairman V. Agam Rao, Governing Council Member C. Sanjeev Reddy, and tournament Brand Ambassador Vijay Deverakonda.
The event also featured former India cricketer and Head of Cricket Operations Ambati Rayudu, along with India pacer Mohammed Siraj, one of Hyderabad’s most successful cricketing exports.
With fans enthusiastically filling the stands, the opening ceremony reflected the growing stature and ambition of the league, which seeks to establish itself as a vital stepping stone for aspiring cricketers from Telangana.
Addressing the players and fans, Vijay Deverakonda expressed hope that the competition would help produce future stars for Indian cricket.
“With this league, I’m hoping we get more superstars from Telangana. I’ll be so happy to see players representing India,” he said.
Ambati Rayudu urged the youngsters to make the most of the opportunity and dream big.
“The talent we have here is immense. Over the years, the number of players from Hyderabad and Telangana representing higher levels of cricket should double,” he said.
Mohammed Siraj, who has risen from Hyderabad’s local grounds to become an international star, encouraged participants to embrace the occasion.
“This is a very big platform for everyone. Express yourself and enjoy this tournament,” Siraj said.
With its glittering start and a strong focus on nurturing local talent, the Sreenidhi University TG20 has all the ingredients to become a landmark tournament in Telangana’s cricketing landscape.
