Irony, it seems, is Hyderabad cricket’s permanent partner. Despite a few recent state-level successes, complaints are once again pouring into our newsroom. The last three months of exposure into the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) murky functioning had, for a moment, raised hope. The High Court-appointed Supervisory Committee led by Justice Naveen Rao appeared determined to clean up the rot, admonishing errant officials — particularly the Acting Secretary and certain selectors who were accused of manipulating appointments and team selections. But it seems lessons were short-lived. The same individuals who had earlier challenged Justice Naveen Rao’s appointment in court — only to be firmly rebuked — are now reportedly brazening it out again, undermining his authority, and aligning with a tainted former Andhra cricketer previously accused of sexual harassment by four women players. This tainted figure, once shunned, has allegedly wormed his way back into Hyderabad cricket’s inner circles, influencing selections and appointments. His latest exploit? Backing the appointment of women’s team selectors under his shadow, and pushing for the inclusion — even captaincy — of a “broker-fame” Hyderabad cricketer’s daughter, whose recent performances hardly justify her elevation, leave alone place in the 16-member team.
The irony deepens when genuine performers are overlooked while the system rewards influence over merit. Parents are crying foul, but their complaints hit a wall of silence. Meanwhile, those responsible for the mess continue to defy the Supervisory Committee itself — appointed by the High Court to restore order and integrity in HCA’s day-to-day functioning. One wonders: what stops Justice Naveen Rao from packing off these defiant officials who mock his authority? How long will the Association tolerate those who treat court directives as optional advice? – EDITOR
When state success emboldens the unaccountable
Below is an Open Letter addressed to Justice Naveen Rao — written by a group of aggrieved parents and members who, despite disillusionment, still cling to the hope that Hyderabad cricket can be saved before it sinks any further.
Open Letter to Justice Naveen Rao
Hyderabad Cricket Association — The Hope and the Hard Truth
Respected Justice Naveen Rao Sir,
As the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s league season concludes, an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu fills the air. Apart from the cosmetic shift from three-day to two-day games, little else has changed. The same opaque functioning, the same manipulation, and the same grievances continue to define Hyderabad cricket.
The dominance of a few A-Division clubs in selections remains unchallenged, empowering a handful of secretaries while players from academies and B-Division sides are left to fend for scraps. Parents wait helplessly as opportunities are monopolized by a few well-connected clubs.
Your appointment had sparked genuine optimism. Many believed Hyderabad would finally see administrative justice — a system that rewards talent, not networking. Some progress is visible, yes: the leagues concluded on time, and online match records added a semblance of transparency. But these modest gains are overshadowed by continuing irregularities and arrogance at the top.
The Persistent Failures
- Vanishing Probables’ Records:
Past probables lists have mysteriously disappeared — wiping away evidence of performance. - A-Division Bias:
Players from A-Division clubs get automatic preference despite identical match formats in B-Division. - Limited-Overs Discrimination:
Only A-Division teams are allowed in One-Day and T20 formats, sidelining hundreds of deserving players. - Age-Fraud Cases Gathering Dust:
Over a year later, no conclusive action has been taken. Genuine players continue to suffer. - Selector Arrogance and Bias:
Flush with the glow of a few recent wins, selectors behave as if they are beyond scrutiny. They forget that true progress is built on consistent performers, not favouritism. - Opaque Selection Process:
There’s no accountability, no published yardsticks, and no public explanation for choices made. - Questionable Changes in Committees:
The sudden shift in the U-23 selection panel has raised eyebrows over expertise and intent. - No Transparency or Minutes:
Why aren’t selection meetings recorded or minutes made available to stakeholders? - Subjective Yardsticks:
Without published top-performer lists, selections seem guided more by familiarity than form. - Absence of Probables for U-23:
No One-Day probables were even organized — a complete mockery of the selection process. - Repetitive Selections:
The same names move from U-14 to U-23 to Ranji without interruption, even when form deserts them. Once a player is labelled “talented,” it becomes a permanent passport, while current performers are ignored. - No Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
Players and parents have no avenue to appeal or even seek clarity. - White-Ball Team Tampering:
The U-23 One-Day team selections have once again exposed glaring inconsistencies. The white-ball formats are vital pathways to IPL and higher opportunities — any manipulation here damages careers irreversibly.
When confronted, selectors often retort, “If scores alone mattered, why have selectors?”
The answer is simple: If selectors’ perception is the only criterion, why hold leagues at all?
There must be balance — judgment guided by data and performance, not politics or pressure.
- BCCI’s Displeasure:
The Board’s silence is deafening. Hyderabad has been denied major domestic and international assignments — a clear signal that confidence in HCA’s administration has eroded.
Ignored Performers (U-23)
Batters:
Darsh Mohanlal – 780 runs
Pranav Suryadevara – 630 runs
K. Praneeth – 573 runs
Karan Kumar Pattanayak – 660 runs
Dama Ajith – 550 runs
Spinners:
Muqeeth – 36 wickets
Varun Dhatrak – 26 wickets
Kurumeti Harsha – 26 wickets
Khush Agarwal – 24 wickets
Shashank Mehrotra – 20 wickets (8 in one match)
Fast Bowlers:
G. Eshwar – 23 wickets
Aarya Udupa – 21 wickets
Abdul Adnan – 16 wickets
Wicket-keepers:
Yash Satwalekar – 390 runs
Kunal Daswani – 374 runs
These are not anonymous names — they are the very backbone of Hyderabad’s next generation. Yet their consistent performances have been overlooked for reasons best known to those sitting in selection chairs.
A Call to Act, Not Just Observe
Your Lordship still holds the power — and moral authority — to restore fairness and faith. Hyderabad’s cricketing revival depends not merely on administrative compliance but on moral clarity. The rot extends beyond selection — into tenders, match operations, and financial dealings. If this deeper infection is not cured, no amount of “reform” will matter.
We appeal to you, Sir, to act decisively before another season is lost to arrogance and manipulation. Rebuild the system on transparency, accountability, and merit. Let Hyderabad cricket become once again a name associated with pride, not pity.
With respect and hope,
A Few Concerned Parents, who feel let down, as the demand for bribes is quite high and unimaginable
(On behalf of players and families who still believe in Hyderabad cricket’s revival)
