Hyderabad: Chevella MP and Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) Patron Konda Vishweshwar Reddy on Monday called upon cricket stakeholders and the people of Telangana to transform the Telangana Cricket Association’s struggle for recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) into a mass movement.
Addressing a round-table conference on cricket stakeholders, organized by the TCA at Haritha Plaza in City, Vishweshwar Reddy said that recognition of the association by the BCCI was essential for the development of cricket in Telangana, particularly in rural and district regions.
According to a statement issued by TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy, the conference brought together former cricketers, women cricketers, district representatives, sports activists, administrators and stakeholders from across the State to discuss the future of Telangana cricket and the need to create equitable opportunities for aspiring players.
Dharam Guruva Reddy presented an overview of the association’s journey over the past decade, highlighting its organizational growth, grassroots development initiatives, district-level expansion, and efforts to secure recognition from the BCCI.
In his keynote address, Vishweshwar Reddy expressed concern over the continued neglect of cricketing talent from districts and rural areas. He observed that cricket administration in the State remained largely concentrated in Hyderabad, limiting opportunities for talented youngsters from other regions.
He said that despite its rich cricketing legacy, the existing system had failed to establish a strong pathway for rural cricketers to progress to higher levels. He also referred to allegations of corruption, irregularities, and administrative shortcomings that, he said, had weakened confidence in the current administration.
Vishweshwar Reddy stated that if cricket development was the primary objective, the BCCI should seriously consider granting the Telangana Cricket Association Associate Membership, which, according to him, had consistently worked at the grassroots level and advocated for the interests of Telangana’s cricketers.
Calling for wider public participation, he said the movement for cricketing justice in Telangana should not remain confined to legal proceedings and urged stakeholders to build greater public awareness and support for the cause.
Telangana activist Vithal, who also addressed the gathering, appealed to citizens, sports enthusiasts, and cricket stakeholders to unite against corruption and irregularities in cricket administration. Drawing parallels with the Telangana statehood movement, he urged people to use democratic platforms and social media to amplify demands for fair opportunities for young cricketers.
The conference unanimously adopted a resolution seeking greater accountability and transparency in cricket administration and called for appropriate action on various allegations and controversies that have surfaced over the years.
Participants maintained that Telangana possessed significant cricketing talent across its districts and that recognition of the TCA would provide a dedicated platform for identifying, nurturing, and promoting young cricketers.
Among those present were former TCA State President Endala Lakshminarayana, State Vice President Pesaru Vijay Chander Reddy, Governing Council members Premender Reddy, Kapilavai Ravinder, Pradeep, Thallapalli Jayapal, and Mahender Reddy. Women cricketers Jhansi Lakshmi, Vinoda, and Prashanthi, along with district representatives and cricket stakeholders from across Telangana, also attended the conference.
