Special Reports
Arshad Ayub: From Test Cricketer to Alleged Architect of Corruption MS Shanker (Editor’s Note: Following receipt of a legal notice from former Indian Test cricketer and ex-HCA President Arshad Ayub, this article has been revised. Certain portions have been removed or modified to avoid misinterpretation. A corrigendum has also been issued immediately after receipt of…
Zhuang Zedong, born on August 25, 1940, in Yangzhou, China, began playing table tennis at the age of 11. By his teenage years, his precocious talent had propelled him to the national stage. At a time when China was not yet the table tennis powerhouse it would become, Zhuang’s arrival marked the beginning of a…
Manohar calls out decay and demands a clean-up MS Shanker In my continued quest to uncover ways to restore Hyderabad cricket to its rightful place in Indian cricket, I have been engaging with former players—those who may not have made headlines but whose connection to the game is rooted deep in legacy, values, and sincerity….
MS Shanker In a long overdue move, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has suspended its President Jagan Mohan Rao, Secretary Devraj Ramachandran, and Treasurer Srinivas following their arrest by the Telangana State CID in connection with the now-infamous IPL ticketing scam and other alleged financial irregularities. The emergency decision, reportedly taken by acting president Daljit…
When I assumed charge as the Director of NIPER Mohali in 2017, I made it a point to personally visit every facility on campus. I wanted to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the infrastructure I was entrusted with. One building, however, stood out—not for its promise, but for its perplexing deadweight. It was the…
Girja Shankar Dixit In the realm of Indian sports, while cricket often takes the spotlight, several athletes from other sports have also carved their niches, silently yet effectively shaping India’s sporting heritage. Among these athletes is Laxman Shanker, an outstanding Indian hockey goalkeeper whose skills and dedication have significantly contributed to the field of hockey…
As a former cricketer who has experienced the highs and lows of international cricket, I find it disturbing—if not outright disappointing—to see some veteran journalists and ex-players aiming Gautam Gambhir, India’s newly appointed head coach. Their criticism, often drenched in bias and nostalgia for his predecessors, is not only unfair but also completely tone-deaf to…
A Dynasty of Decline: Time for Shivlal to Step Aside MS Shanker As part of my ongoing series “Who Ruined Hyderabad Cricket,” this episode focuses on when and how the decline truly began. Much has been written—and far more whispered—about the rot in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). It all began with the rise of…
Peter Snell, a name synonymous with athletic excellence, remains one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sports figures. Born on December 17, 1938, in Opunake, Taranaki, Snell’s journey from a small-town boy to an international icon is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. His achievements in middle-distance running have left an indelible mark…
A Forgotten Keeper’s Grief, and a Game in Ruins MS Shanker In my ongoing journey to uncover the root causes of Hyderabad cricket’s freefall—and more importantly, to spotlight voices that offer serious, constructive solutions—I caught up this week with a voice not often heard, but one that certainly deserves to be. Meet Youraj Singh, now…
