Harinarayana Rao R
The debate on whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider fresh affiliations, especially the Telangana Cricket Association’s (TCA) demand for recognition, is both timely and thought-provoking. As a secretary of a club affiliated with the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), and as someone who continues to coach youngsters at the grassroots, I feel compelled to add my perspective.
The BCCI has done much to popularize and professionalize cricket in India. Yet, its constitution has remained rigid in certain aspects, particularly regarding membership. At present, the BCCI has firmly resisted expanding its base, maintaining the existing full and associate memberships. But with the growing number of aspiring cricketers across India—fuelled not only by the dream of donning the national cap but also by the lure of the IPL—it may be time to revisit this stance.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently remarked that a state with a population of over 25 crore cannot be represented by a single cricket association. He suggested at least four state associations for Uttar Pradesh alone. The logic is difficult to ignore. More associations would mean more structured opportunities for budding cricketers. However, such reform cannot be applied selectively. If Uttar Pradesh deserves multiple associations, then why not other states? By this measure, India could end up with 25–30 additional associations.
This expansion, while attractive in theory, raises an uncomfortable question: do we really have that many competent, honest, and committed administrators across the country? Cricket is already plagued by controversies, corruption, and political interference. Would multiplying associations simply multiply the problems?
Coming specifically to Telangana, the TCA’s demand for recognition—initially unconvincing to me—now seems fair after reading the detailed arguments put forth recently. The HCA, despite its historic legacy, has failed to take cricket deep into the districts. District associations have for long been treated as mere vote banks, wielded by administrators to retain power rather than as nurseries of talent. Only in recent years has there been some pressure to fund district bodies and push for genuine development.
In sharp contrast, the city-based cricket ecosystem in Hyderabad has sustained itself through private clubs, academies, and coaching camps. This explains why Hyderabad continues to produce quality players, some of whom have reached the international stage. But this is no substitute for a proper, statewide structure. The uneven development has left many talented youngsters from Telangana’s districts without fair opportunities.
Given this reality, the TCA’s push for at least associate membership cannot be dismissed outright. If recognized, it could pave the way for a more balanced development of cricket across the state. But recognition must not be handed out casually. The BCCI would need to assess the administrative capabilities, integrity, and long-term vision of TCA and other applicants.
The core challenge for BCCI is to balance inclusivity with accountability. Expanding memberships should not become a free-for-all where every interest group or aspiring administrator demands a slice of power. Politicians, businessmen, and bureaucrats already exert undue influence in cricket administration; expanding the playing field without proper safeguards could deepen these distortions.
The solution lies in careful screening. If new associations are to be recognized, BCCI must ensure they are run by individuals with proven commitment to cricket, not those seeking personal gain. The appointment of independent oversight committees, clear accountability mechanisms, and strict anti-corruption protocols would be essential to protect the integrity of the game.
As a secretary of an HCA-affiliated club, I appeal to my fellow administrators not to see these arguments as betrayal. Instead, let us introspect. Hyderabad has long enjoyed cricketing opportunities that many others in our state have been denied. If another association next door can help bridge this imbalance, what is wrong in acknowledging that?
At the same time, like many, I too keep my fingers crossed on how the newly approved National Sports Policy will affect cricket, since the sport has now been explicitly incorporated into it. What kinds of recommendations it will propose for expanding the game are still unclear. That said, I wish to reiterate that for me, the interest of the game remains paramount. I am confident that the BCCI, once its new President takes charge after the September 28 elections, will give serious thought to demands like those of the TCA and respond positively.
The time has come for all stakeholders—BCCI, HCA, TCA, and the broader cricketing fraternity—to engage in an honest, transparent debate. The goal must not be to protect fiefdoms but to promote cricket in every corner of the country. Only then can Indian cricket truly fulfill its promise of being a national sport for all, not just for the privileged few. (The writer is Secretary of Marredpally Blues Cricket Club and a well-known coach among budding cricketers.)
