Special Correspondent
Barely had hopes begun to rise that the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was finally turning a corner under its new dispensation, when questions are once again being raised over whether anything has really changed. For many stakeholders, the recent appointment of former cricketer B.V. Suvarna Lakshmi as Chairperson of the Women’s Selection Committee for the 2026-27 season has reopened an uncomfortable debate — are the same power centres continuing to influence cricket administration from behind the scenes?
It is not the appointment of Suvarna Lakshmi per se that has surprised many in Hyderabad’s cricketing circles. Rather, it is the circumstances and alleged influences surrounding the decision that have left many wondering whether the promises of reform have already begun to ring hollow.
According to informed sources within cricket administration, the appointment is allegedly the choice of a “rank outsider” to Telangana cricket, who despite being a member of the players’ body in the national cricket establishment, has been a controversial figure in the past. Sources claim that he was expelled from the Andhra cricket establishment years ago and is presently facing criminal proceedings arising out of complaints reportedly filed by women cricketers. The matter, sources point out, remains sub judice and he has not been exonerated by any court.
Yet, questions continue to be raised over his alleged influence in Hyderabad cricket.
Ironically, several senior officials associated with cricket administration are privately aware of the controversies surrounding him. If that is indeed the case, stakeholders ask, why is he allegedly being entertained and permitted to wield influence in matters concerning women’s cricket in Hyderabad?
If insiders are to be believed, concerns are not confined to Andhra Pradesh alone. The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) too is understood to have received complaints from women cricketers in Telangana regarding alleged poaching attempts. The association had reportedly urged the HCA to officially distance itself from the individual concerned and issue an appropriate communication in the larger interests and safety of women cricketers.
Whether the HCA acted upon such concerns remains unclear.
According to an official statement issued by HCA Secretary M. Jeevan Reddy, former player B.V. Suvarna Lakshmi has been appointed Chairperson of Hyderabad’s Women’s Selection Committee for the 2026-27 season. The four-member committee comprises Anita Mishra, G. Sangeeta, M. Keertana and Ekta Saxena.
“The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is pleased to announce that the Single Member Committee has approved the constitution of the Women’s Selection Committee for the 2026-27 season,” the release stated.
The appointment, however, has once again brought back memories of complaints received by this e-paper in the past from women cricketers. Those complaints were duly forwarded to the HCA Secretary as well as the supervisory mechanism appointed pursuant to directions of the High Court.
At that point, the HCA had reportedly denied entertaining the services or involvement of the said outsider. Yet, he was subsequently spotted during the recently concluded TG20 events. The explanation offered was that he happened to be a member of the national cricket body through the players’ category.
But that explanation has failed to convince many stakeholders.
The larger question being asked is rather simple. Is it not the foremost responsibility of the HCA to safeguard the interests and welfare of its women cricketers?
The debate has also led to another pertinent question. Does Hyderabad really lack competent and accomplished women cricketers capable of heading women’s cricket administration?
Several names immediately spring to mind. Former India captain Purnima Rao enjoys impeccable credibility within cricketing circles and has consistently delivered results across age-group tournaments, bringing laurels to Hyderabad cricket. She is known equally for her uncompromising professionalism and her refusal to entertain requests for favours. Similarly, accomplished names like Sunita Anand too are spoken of with great respect.
Sources claim that approaches were indeed made to Purnima Rao at one stage. If that was the case, what changed thereafter remains anybody’s guess.
It must be emphasised that this report is not intended to question the integrity or credentials of the newly appointed Chairperson. The concern being expressed by stakeholders is altogether different — whether appointments are being influenced by individuals who officially have no business deciding the future of Hyderabad cricket.
That concern becomes even more significant considering that the present HCA leadership had promised to clean up the mess inherited from its predecessors. Instead, critics allege that there appears to be an uncomfortable compromise with the very power brokers the administration was expected to weed out.
Equally puzzling is the role of former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who has been entrusted with an important responsibility concerning Hyderabad cricket. If he was indeed consulted on the appointment, many wonder whether he was aware of the controversies and concerns being voiced within cricketing circles.
With this appointment, many insiders privately admit, their hopes from the present Apex Council are beginning to diminish. For them, the larger issue is no longer about one individual or one appointment. It is about whether Hyderabad cricket has truly embraced reform or whether the old order has merely returned wearing a new face.
For now, the questions remain unanswered.
