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…
MS Shanker It’s not every day that you see Asaduddin Owaisi and Arnab Goswami on the same page. But when it comes to the sentiment that India must not play cricket with Pakistan—leave alone in a marquee tournament like the Asia Cup—the nation is speaking with one voice, from expected and unexpected quarters alike. Owaisi,…
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…
In a functioning democracy, every political party has the right to contest or boycott an election. But when that boycott is threatened not in protest of injustice but seemingly to shield a legacy of electoral malpractice, it raises serious concerns about intent, integrity, and commitment to the Constitution. That’s exactly what appears to be happening…
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…
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,…
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…
A Forgotten Opener Speaks Out: Daniel Manohar’s Take on HCA’s Decline MS Shanker As the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) battles one of its worst-ever phases—with top office-bearers behind bars and public trust crumbling—those who once brought glory to the city are beginning to speak out. In this edition, I reached out to a cricketer who…
MS Shanker The noose continues to tighten around the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) as the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has petitioned the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID), demanding further arrests in the sprawling corruption scandal that has rocked Hyderabad cricket. Among those named in the latest complaint is former cricketer and administrator Vanka Pratap. The…
