MS Shanker
In conversation with Khalid Abdul Qayyum, one of Hyderabad’s cricketing greats
I’ve been on a mission lately—one that’s deeply personal and driven by passion: speaking to former Hyderabad cricketers who’ve donned the whites for the state and, in many cases, for the country. Their insights, their memories, and their vision for the game’s future form the heart of this ongoing series. And today, I bring you a conversation with someone whose name resonates deeply in Hyderabad’s cricketing circles—Khalid Abdul Qayyum.
A prolific run-getter, a statesmanlike captain, and a gentleman of the game, Khalid may not have played for India, but he came tantalizingly close. He did, however, wear the South Zone cap with pride, and his contribution to Hyderabad cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Even today, residing in the United States, Khalid hasn’t let distance weaken his bond with Hyderabad. In fact, he regularly returns to conduct coaching camps, spot young talent, and nurture the kind of raw energy that once made Hyderabad a powerhouse in domestic cricket. “Cricket has given me so much,” he says, “and it’s my responsibility to give back. Especially when I see the state of the game here—it hurts.”
Khalid’s playing days are the stuff of legend. A consistent performer across seasons, he was the backbone of Hyderabad’s batting lineup. His exploits include a match-winning century (103) against the Rest of India team in the Irani Trophy, a high-pressure knock that brought glory to Hyderabad. He once piled up a staggering 754 runs in a single Ranji season, including a breathtaking 203 in the quarterfinals against Gujarat—a performance that paved the way for Hyderabad’s long-awaited Ranji Trophy triumph after 49 years.
He proudly recalls lifting the Gold Cup after Hyderabad’s victory in the Moin-ud-Dowla final against VST, where he was adjudged Man of the Match. He was even in the reckoning for the Indian World Cup squad. “I’ve seen what it takes to win, and I know we can rebuild that winning culture again,” he says with conviction.
Ask him what’s gone wrong with Hyderabad cricket, and the response is immediate and clear: “Poor governance, unfair selections, and the sidelining of experienced voices.”
He doesn’t mince words: “You can’t build a team if merit takes a backseat to favouritism. The selection process must be transparent. There has to be accountability. And above all, there must be respect for the players, the coaches, and the game itself.”
With a hint of sarcasm, he adds, “If Hyderabad needs my services, I’m ready to lead the team again and deliver results—we have abundant talent.”
Khalid lays out a well-thought-out, step-by-step roadmap to restore Hyderabad cricket to its former glory:
- Assess the Current Structure
“You can’t fix what you don’t understand. First, identify the flaws—whether it’s in governance, infrastructure, or talent management. Let’s start with an honest audit.”
- Strengthen Leadership
“A professional, transparent, and accountable administration is the foundation. We need people who are here for cricket—not for power.”
- Reform the Selection System
“Merit must reign supreme. No backdoors, no biases. Let performances speak. This alone can change the entire culture of the game.”
- Engage Stakeholders
“Players, coaches, fans, media, sponsors—we need everyone on board. Rebuilding trust is key. Let’s bring cricket lovers back into the fold.”
- Utilize Existing Infrastructure
“Hyderabad has excellent infrastructure. What we need is better utilization—facilities that are open, accessible, and maintained year-round.”
- Build a Lasting Culture
“A culture of professionalism, discipline, and inclusivity. One where talent is nurtured, not wasted.”
Khalid is passionate about grassroots development. “If you want a strong tree, you start with the roots,” he says. And for him, that means school cricket.
“We need structured school tournaments starting from under-10, under-15, under-17, and under-19. Let’s begin right after the summer break in June. But one tournament won’t do. There must be at least two tournaments per age group so kids get multiple chances to shine.”
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He envisions a district-level league system that mirrors the school format. “Every district should have its own league. And then, the top teams should face off in a state-level championship across T20, 50-over, and 90-over formats. And yes, there should be prize money. That motivates kids. It also helps convince hesitant parents that cricket is a viable future.”
Another area he believes has been neglected is college cricket. “Tournaments at the college level need a revival. We need to hold regular competitions in all three formats. Two tournaments per year, minimum. That keeps the talent pool vibrant.”
“The league structure must include all formats—T20, one-dayers, and three-day matches. Schedule matches during both weekdays and weekends so everyone gets a chance. After 10+ matches, you can properly evaluate players for zonal selection based on stats, not reputations.”
He’s especially insistent on reviving the Zonal Tournament, which once served as the crucible for state selection. “Bring back teams like Hyderabad XI, Secunderabad XI, College XI, Schools XI, and District XI. Add prize money. Raise the stakes. That’s how you make players hungry again.”
“The Moin-ud-Dowla Gold Cup was once one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. Its revival could be a game-changer. It gives players a platform to perform in high-pressure games and catch the selectors’ eyes. Let’s bring it back in style.”
And perhaps most importantly, Khalid stresses the need to bring former cricketers into the fold.
“We have a treasure trove of knowledge sitting idle. People like Kanwaljeet Singh, Ehtesham Ali Khan, Venkatapathy Raju, V. Manohar, Faiyaz Baig, Jyothi Prasad, Zakir Hussain, Abdul Bari Wahab—these are cricketing minds who can shape the next generation. Let’s give them roles. Use their experience.”
Khalid’s vision is not limited to men’s cricket. “Women’s cricket is on the rise. HCA must support it fully, with regular tournaments, coaching camps, and infrastructure. Let’s build a strong pipeline for girls as well. The future is bright if we make space for it.”
“There’s no magic wand,” Khalid says in closing. “Reviving Hyderabad cricket will take time, effort, and collaboration. But with a clear plan, committed leadership, and community involvement, it can be done. Let’s remember what Hyderabad cricket once was—and let’s work together to bring it back.”
His message is simple yet powerful: The time for talk is over. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, lace up our boots, and rebuild from the ground up.
