Our Correspondent
Hyderabad: Fresh questions are being raised over the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) apparent silence after a parent reportedly approached the police, alleging that money had been collected from a player on promises of securing opportunities in A Division cricket and a corporate team.
According to sources, a formal police complaint has been filed containing details such as names, dates, amounts involved and specific allegations, which are now subject to police investigation.
While law enforcement authorities are expected to examine the matter independently, members of the cricketing fraternity have questioned whether HCA should also initiate an internal inquiry whenever allegations emerge involving cricket selections, promises of opportunities, middlemen, influence or monetary transactions.
Several stakeholders argue that if a parent is compelled to approach the police over matters linked to cricket administration, it should automatically trigger concern within the state’s apex cricket body.
They believe HCA should ascertain the facts, determine whether similar complaints have surfaced in the past and establish whether those named in the complaint are innocent or guilty through a transparent process.
Observers point out that the absence of any official inquiry often leaves the cricketing community dependent on rumours, speculation and unanswered questions, thereby affecting the credibility of the system.
Many within Hyderabad cricket maintain that inaction benefits nobody. They argue that if the allegations are found to be baseless, those accused deserve a complete and public exoneration to protect their reputations. Conversely, if the allegations are substantiated, strict action should be taken to prevent players and parents from facing similar situations in the future.
The issue has also revived concerns over previous allegations that have periodically surfaced in Hyderabad cricket over the years. Though the individuals and circumstances may have differed, stakeholders say similar concerns have repeatedly emerged without any publicly known inquiries, findings or conclusions.
Cricket observers warn that such a situation could gradually erode confidence among parents and players alike. They fear that a lack of transparency may lead to growing cynicism and place even genuine achievements under unnecessary suspicion.
They emphasise that an internal inquiry does not amount to presuming anyone guilty, but is simply an effort to establish facts and restore confidence in the system.
Stakeholders further contend that HCA need not wait for a court verdict or a police charge sheet before examining whether any individuals are allegedly misusing the name of Hyderabad cricket clubs, selections or cricketing opportunities to influence players and parents.
Many have called for a transparent mechanism under which complaints are investigated, findings are published, guilty individuals are penalised and innocent persons are publicly cleared.
Until such a system is put in place, they say, an uncomfortable question will continue to linger within Hyderabad’s cricketing circles: why are parents and players compelled to knock on the doors of the police while the guardians of Hyderabad cricket remain silent spectators?
