MS Shanker
Mohan Bhupathy, former selector, speaks out: No more experiments, we need results
In the wake of the state CID’s recent crackdown on the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), a long-overdue clean-up operation finally seems to be underway. The arrests of three HCA officials, including the sitting President, in connection with the IPL ticketing scam and other financial irregularities, mark a significant turning point in the fight to rescue the sport from years of rot. Kudos to the investigators who managed to build a solid case backed by concrete evidence—something that has eluded previous attempts to hold corrupt administrators accountable.
As this investigative dragnet unfolds, I continue my parallel effort to engage with the silent warriors of Hyderabad cricket—former players who once proudly donned the state jersey. This week, I spoke to one more voice from the past, possibly the last among the former Ranji players I’ll feature before moving on to the next chapter: the clubs. Starting next week, I will begin chronicling the views of affiliated clubs—the grassroots backbone of Hyderabad cricket—whose choices and votes shape the Apex Council. And perhaps, this time, men and women of integrity, cricketing merit, and moral courage will speak out and step forward.
But first, meet B. Mohan Bhupathi, a medium pacer who played 10–15 A Class matches, including a couple of Ranji Trophy appearances. Though his playing career coincided with the golden generation of Hyderabad pace—names like Abid Ali and Govind Raj ruled the roost—Mohan made his mark when given the opportunity. He took the prized wicket of Delhi opener Vinay Lamba on debut, was adjudged Man of the Match in the prestigious Matadi Trophy in Bhopal, and played in major invitational tournaments like the Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup, Buchi Babu, and Sheesh Mahal tournaments. He was also a consistent performer in the SBH League and proudly recalls being declared the “Best Allrounder” in one of its editions.
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Mohan’s cricketing roots run deep—he played for Hyderabad Schools and Osmania University, trained under his father Bhupathi and coach Aibara, and was later part of the selection committee that picked the team which won Hyderabad’s last Ranji Trophy title in 1986–87. A seasoned observer of the game, his opinions come with both credibility and candour.
In a no-holds-barred conversation, Mohan squarely blames players themselves—particularly a few influential ex-cricketers—for contributing to the decline of Hyderabad cricket. “There is no point naming names. Many of them have already been named and shamed in your investigative series. But let’s be honest: wrong selections, petty politics, and inflated egos have damaged team performance at every level.”
Mohan believes the solution lies in empowering selectors with cricketing merit, specifically those who’ve represented the state, as recommended by the Justice Lodha Committee. But playing credentials alone aren’t enough. These selectors must also have unblemished integrity, a clean record, and a genuine desire to serve the sport.
“The job of selectors is sacred,” he says. “They should be free to make tough calls, but also held accountable. Elected officials can look after administration, but team selection—be it Under-14, U-19, U-22, or Ranji—should be in the hands of experienced and honest former players.”
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Similarly, coaches must be chosen on merit, offered decent remuneration, but subjected to clear performance metrics. “No more experiments. We need results. If a coach fails, he must go—contract or no contract,” he declares.
Mohan suggests that the Apex Council appoint a three-member monitoring committee, comprising senior figures known for their integrity, perhaps even relaxing age restrictions to bring in veterans who work for passion, not perks. Their job would be to evaluate the performance of selectors, coaches, and academy staff, ensuring accountability across the board.
On the structural side, Mohan insists that the league system must be strengthened. The local cricket calendar must be sacrosanct, and tournaments conducted within a fixed timeline. Revival of legacy tournaments such as the Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup is essential, he says, along with encouraging senior division teams to tour neighbouring states or countries for greater exposure.
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He is also vocal about expanding infrastructure beyond Hyderabad. “BCCI grants and HCA earnings must be used judiciously to develop cricketing facilities in districts. At least 2–3 players in every state team should be from rural areas—that’s how you genuinely promote the game,” he argues.
As with many who care deeply about Hyderabad cricket, Mohan’s final words are a fervent plea to the authorities: “Speed up the investigation. Prosecute the guilty, but also exonerate those wrongly framed. Only a clean break from the past can restore credibility and revive the game we love.”
It’s voices like Mohan’s—passionate yet pragmatic—that Hyderabad cricket must now listen to. Because for far too long, the game has been held hostage by individuals who wore the badge of cricket but betrayed its spirit.
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