An earlier article by TG20 Chairman Agam Rao, carried in these columns, gave many readers and stakeholders the impression that he was staking a solo claim over the success of the inaugural TG20 league. The article drew strong reactions from several individuals who played a significant role in making the tournament a grand success and felt that TG20 was, and always will be, a collective achievement.
As a responsible media platform, we believe in presenting all genuine voices fairly and transparently. Our readers’ trust is paramount, and we will never hesitate to provide space for clarification, correction and differing perspectives from stakeholders of the game. With that commitment, we are publishing this heartfelt note of gratitude from Agam Rao, acknowledging the collective efforts that made TG20 Telangana’s success story. – EDITOR
Agam Rao
As the curtains come down on the historic inaugural edition of TG20, my heart is filled with immense gratitude and humility.
The success of TG20 is not the achievement of any one individual or organisation. It is the result of the collective vision, trust, commitment and relentless hard work of countless people who united with one purpose—to create a world-class cricket league that Telangana can proudly call its own.
My deepest gratitude goes to Single Member Committee Chairman Justice P. Naveen Rao Garu, whose wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support transformed a dream into reality. His visionary leadership and faith in the team enabled us to conceptualise and execute TG20 in a manner befitting Telangana’s cricketing aspirations.
I also place on record my sincere gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its invaluable guidance and support. I remain indebted to BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, Apex Council Member V. Chamundeshwar Nath, CEO Hemang Amin, and Head of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla for their encouragement and cooperation throughout the journey.
My heartfelt thanks go to the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s Apex Council members for their steadfast support and leadership. I also acknowledge the valuable encouragement and presence of stalwarts, including Shivlal Yadav, Arshad Ayub, VVS Laxman, and Head of Cricket Operations Ambati Rayudu and his team. A special word of appreciation goes to HCA Secretary M. Jeevan Reddy and his associates for their constant support throughout the tournament.
I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Tourism, Culture and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao for gracing TG20 as Guests of Honour and lending immense prestige to the occasion.
The Government of Telangana, Telangana Police, and several government departments extended invaluable support in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament. I particularly thank Director General of Police C.V. Anand and Principal Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture (Sports), Jayesh Ranjan, for their cooperation.
TG20 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of my fellow Governing Council members, C. Sanjeev Reddy and Parth Satwalekar. Under the guidance of Justice Naveen Rao Garu, we were entrusted with complete freedom to conceptualise and execute the tournament. I reserve special appreciation for C. Sanjeev Reddy, whose creativity, meticulous planning, and hands-on involvement contributed significantly to the grandeur and world-class presentation of TG20.
The outstanding operations team, led by COO Prasanna Kannan and Head of Operations Bharani, along with Stephen, Sundar, Garima, Dinesh and Shaik Zakir, worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their countless sleepless nights ensured flawless execution at every stage of the tournament.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all eight franchise owners—Hyderabad e-Champions, Anvitha Khammam Aces, Karimnagar Diamonds, Rangareddy Risers, Nalgonda Knights, Warangal Warriors, Palamuru Strikers and Medak Falcons—for believing in the TG20 vision and investing in the future of Telangana cricket. I also thank our sponsors, commercial partners, and consultants for their unwavering support.
My appreciation goes to our Brand Ambassador Vijay Deverakonda for wholeheartedly embracing TG20 and inspiring cricket lovers across Telangana. I also thank Thaman, Madhu Priya, Rahul Sipligunj, Bhole Shavali, and the numerous singers, performers, musicians, choreographers, and artists who transformed TG20 into a celebration of Telangana’s culture and spirit.
I remain grateful to Daggubati Venkatesh, Akhil Akkineni, Gopichand, Srikanth, Aadi and Daggubati Suresh Babu for lending their support and presence to the league.
The professionalism and commitment displayed by the TCM Sports team under Lokesh Sharma deserve special mention. Likewise, HCA Curator Chandrasekhar Garu and the entire grounds and maintenance staff ensured world-class playing conditions throughout the tournament.
My sincere appreciation goes to broadcast partner JioStar and its entire production crew, including the commentary panel, Hawk-Eye DRS team, anchors and technical staff, who brought TG20 into millions of homes across the country.
I thank our hospitality partners, caterers, administrative staff, accounts teams, security personnel, housekeeping staff, transport and logistics teams, power backup teams, ticketing partner DISTRICT, maintenance teams and every service provider who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
My gratitude also extends to DNA Events, match referees, umpires, scorers, the HCA media team, auditors, anchors, DJs, photographers, volunteers, the Integrity Committee, and the numerous individuals who contributed in various capacities. The BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit and Integrity Officers ensured that the tournament upheld the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
I also thank every HCA member who volunteered and served on various committees. A special word of appreciation goes to HCA spokesperson Sheshnarayan for his thoughtful guidance and timely advice.
Above all, I thank our players, coaches, support staff, match officials and the wonderful cricket fans of Telangana. Your passion and belief transformed TG20 from an ambitious idea into a historic reality.
The inaugural TG20 is the culmination of collective efforts—from the earliest discussions and franchise bidding to player auctions, commercial partnerships, broadcast arrangements and the successful conduct of every match. Together, we have not merely organised a cricket league; we have laid the foundation for a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers across Telangana.
If I have inadvertently missed mentioning anyone by name, I sincerely apologise. Every contribution, irrespective of its scale, has been invaluable.
The inaugural TG20 will be remembered not only for the cricket played on the field but also for the unity, professionalism and collective spirit that made it possible.
Thank you for making history.
TG20 is Telangana’s success.
