Criticism against HCA and Ambatti should be fair and focused, not inappropriate

 Vivek Jaisimha

I have been reading and hearing various stories about the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) being reported in the media of late, particularly the criticism directed at its functioning.

Let me share my thoughts too, since we all have opinions—and gyaan is free!

Genuine criticism is welcome and, in fact, necessary. But criticism must also be fair, informed and free of private agendas. Having donned the hats of a player, coach and various other roles in cricket, I cannot remain silent when I see criticism that, in my view, is unwarranted.

I am now semi-retired and preoccupied with the many things still left undone, but I feel compelled to speak up, particularly against the criticism being levelled by the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) over the reforms being introduced by Ambati Rayudu, who, by the way, has achieved more than many of us put together. As Director of Cricket Administration, he is rocking it. I only hope he keeps his temper in check and follows the “bash on regardless” policy.

Take, for instance, the outrage over “automatic selection” of players. Where is this selective outrage coming from? It is pure logic, makes the process easier for selectors and, more importantly, makes it transparent for everyone.

Look at the sheer number of players now getting opportunities to showcase their ability. That was virtually unheard of over the last decade.

When you represent Hyderabad at age-group level or play for the senior state side and perform, of course you have an edge over someone coming in from outside. But does failure in a league game or a selection trial automatically eliminate a player who has previously performed at the State level? Of course not.

Cricket is also about temperament, and only performance can ultimately be the judge of that. Every cricketer goes through lean phases. It is only when poor performances become consistent that selectors need to reconsider a player’s place. Choosing talent, ability and form is the domain of those appointed to take that call. The rest should allow them to do their job.

I find the TCA’s objection somewhat lopsided. To turn a selection guideline into a controversy and then suggest that it violates the Lodha Committee recommendations or BCCI norms is, in my personal opinion, illogical. It sounds more like an administrator offering a view on a cricketing process than a substantive challenge to the process itself.

I have my own reservations about several of the Lodha Committee recommendations as well. Some, in my view, are questionable and illogical. But that is another story.

Selectors have a role to play and must also be accountable for the choices they make. If necessary, put an integrity clause into their contracts. If that helps bring accountability and stops this mindless criticism, so be it.

In my opinion, the TCA would be better served by focusing its attention on the coaching-centre nexus involving leaked papers—or, lol, sorry, private academies—and the dubious methods allegedly being used around player selection and development. That nexus has been disgusting. These new guidelines can certainly help overcome, to a large extent, the scope for such misuse. Ambati can deal with this effectively. Perhaps what is really needed is a strong HCAE that can challenge and threaten the entrenched system where necessary.

I would urge everyone to distinguish between administrative guidelines and the actual selection process. They are two different areas with two different roles.

Having said that, HCA isn’t doodh ka dhula hua. Far from it.

But the reforms being initiated under Ambati are, in my view, solid. There will inevitably be people behind the scenes moving heaven and earth to destabilise the COC and the selectors. They should expect it.

Moving from a period of administrative paralysis to an actionable plan is never easy. If the HCA administration has been corrupt, selfish and interested only in supporting its own people rather than Hyderabad cricket, then anyone genuinely trying to make a difference deserves to be supported.

I am particularly happy that the younger generation of Hyderabad cricketers is now occupying positions from where they can make a difference. Akshat and his team are extremely capable. DB has a huge role to play, as do all the appointed coaches and support staff.

For decades, Hyderabad cricket has gone through enough turbulence, internal battles and missed opportunities. Of course, hold Rayudu and the administrators accountable. But let those questions be backed by facts, rules and cricketing logic—not assumptions, political positioning or personal agendas.

No system is 100 per cent perfect. But if the intention is genuinely to improve the system, then Hyderabad’s talent deserves a chance.

I have enjoyed every moment of my cricketing career—the ups and the downs included. But retiring from it all has its own sense of freedom!

As a former Hyderabad cricketer and someone who genuinely cares about the future of Hyderabad cricket, I believe we are on a good wicket now.

So, let’s enjoy the innings!

The author is a former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy captain and a prolific and stylish batter who represented Hyderabad and Goa during his playing career.