Special Reports
Ghulam Ahmed remains one of the prominent names in the annals of Indian cricket, particularly noted for his contributions during the formative years of India’s Test journey. As a skilled off-spin bowler and a valuable team player, Ahmed’s career helped lay the foundation for future generations of Indian cricketers. Born on March 21, 1922, in…
Some time ago, on a weekend, two young women—now employed at a well-known entertainment company—came to visit my spouse, who had once taught them in their primary school years. These girls came from a backward-class background and had started their education in a non-English-medium school. However, thanks to sheer perseverance and timely support, they eventually…
I must admit, I was rather provoked into writing this piece for my weekly column after reading Ravi Shastri—former India captain, coach, and one of our better allrounders—name Washington Sundar as his top choice for India’s current allrounder slot. With all due respect to Shastri, I found the choice both surprising and somewhat underwhelming—especially when…
Dr. Sandhyaa Bombay The keertana Antaryami Alisithini is a profound reflection of the inner dialogue between poet-saint Annamayya and his Antaryami—the indwelling divine presence. Often referred to as the “inner guide” or “inner controller,” this sacred presence resides within all of us, serving as a spiritual compass that quietly illuminates our life’s path. The concept…
MS Shanker The circus at the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) shows no sign of stopping. With its credibility in tatters and governance in chaos, the latest bombshell comes in the form of a searing letter from a club member—a parent, no less—calling out corruption, cover-ups, and cartelisation that are choking the sport. This letter, from…
Girja Shankar Dixit Some places do more than inspire prayer—they evoke a presence. In a country as spiritually rich as India, some temples are not merely places of worship. They are believed to be dwellings of the divine. At these sacred sites, Lord Vishnu is not just remembered or symbolized—he is believed to still…
Clubs, Cronies and Corruption: Anatomy of HCA’s Collapse By MS Shanker As promised, this week’s episode focuses on the root causes behind the tragic, systematic, and largely self-inflicted decline of Hyderabad cricket. At the heart of this rot lie two unholy forces: a cartel of affiliated clubs and a coterie of self-serving former cricketers who,…
In the annals of tennis history, few names resonate as powerfully as Rod Laver. Nicknamed “The Rocket” for his explosive playing style, Laver is celebrated not only for his prodigious talent but for achievements that remain unparalleled even today. His career, spanning from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, saw him conquer the sport…
MS Shanker In yet another controversial twist, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) today witnessed what many are calling a farcical continuation of its so-called “adjourned” Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting, which lasted under six minutes, has raised serious questions about its legality, transparency, and intent. Legal experts and HCA insiders point out that the…
MS Shanker A chilling video has gone viral recently, exposing a bitter truth hiding behind India’s sweetest lies: several popular “apple juice” brands being sold in the market contain zero apple, and worse, are filled with toxic, synthetic chemicals that pose serious health risks. These brands, with flashy packaging and deceptive marketing, are particularly popular…
