Vinay Rao
The early signs are encouraging. The new Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Secretary, Jeevan Reddy, appears determined to translate promises into action. Having pledged to revive cricket in Telangana, he has wasted little time in launching a series of initiatives that deserve appreciation. Credit must also go to the state High Court-appointed former judge, Justice Naveen Rao, whose oversight of the association’s day-to-day affairs has provided the administrative backing necessary to turn intent into action.
The first was the launch of the TG T20 tournament, an effort aimed at taking competitive cricket beyond Hyderabad’s traditional boundaries and into the districts. For years, one of the biggest criticisms of cricket administration in the state has been its excessive concentration within the city, leaving vast talent pools in smaller towns largely untapped. Any genuine attempt to widen the cricketing map deserves support.
The second initiative was equally significant, though perhaps less talked about. By deciding to host the TG T20 final between Central Excise and Jai Hanuman under lights at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Jeevan Reddy sent a powerful message to the state’s club cricketers. For many players, walking onto an international venue remains a dream. Providing that opportunity not only rewards performance but also inspires countless youngsters who aspire to reach higher levels.
The gesture did not end there. Inviting affiliated club secretaries to witness the final and interact over dinner was another welcome step. At a time when the HCA has spent years battling internal divisions, court cases, administrative paralysis and mistrust among stakeholders, any attempt to rebuild communication and camaraderie deserves recognition.
The icing on the cake, however, was the decision to release ₹3 lakh each to affiliated clubs for cricket development activities. Given that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regularly allocates funds to state associations specifically for promoting the game, there is merit in ensuring that grassroots stakeholders receive financial support. Reports suggest that the court has also made it clear that it would not stand in the way of the HCA spending legitimate BCCI funds for the promotion of cricket.
Yet, while distributing funds is commendable, an equally important question deserves attention: Should there not also be accountability?
If public money or institutional funds are being released in the name of cricket development, stakeholders have every right to know how effectively that money is being utilized. This is not a criticism of the current initiative. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to strengthen it.
Over the years, allegations have frequently surfaced that several affiliated clubs exist more on paper than on the field. There have been claims of clubs being leased out, memberships being monetized, and aspiring cricketers struggling to find opportunities despite the large number of affiliated units. Whether all such allegations are true is another matter entirely. It would be unfair and inaccurate to paint every affiliated club with the same brush.
Many club administrators work tirelessly, often spending from their own pockets to keep cricket alive. They deserve respect rather than suspicion.
However, transparency protects the honest and exposes the dishonest. That is why accountability should never be viewed as a burden. It should be viewed as a badge of credibility.
Perhaps the HCA Secretary could use the occasion of the final and the informal gathering that follows to make a sincere appeal to club secretaries. Not a threat. Not a warning. Simply an appeal that every rupee released for cricket development be spent for the benefit of cricketers, coaching programmes, infrastructure, equipment and grassroots activities. A simple annual utilization report from clubs would go a long way in building confidence.
In fact, such a move would further enhance Jeevan Reddy’s reputation as an administrator. Anybody can distribute funds. Strong administrators ensure that those funds produce measurable results.
The HCA has suffered enough from years of controversies, accusations and endless power struggles. Telangana cricket today needs both support and scrutiny, both encouragement and accountability.
Jeevan Reddy has made a promising start with the support of Justice Naveen Rao. But good governance is not measured merely by what the HCA gives; it is also measured by what stakeholders give back to the game. Clubs that seek support must also shoulder responsibility. Accountability must travel both ways. After all, cricket administration exists not for the comfort of office-bearers or the convenience of clubs, but for the young cricketer carrying a kit bag across the city, dreaming that one day the road will lead him to Uppal.
