Eka Lavya
Another match, another batting disaster and another humiliating defeat. Hyderabad U-23 women’s team has suffered a crushing 92-run defeat against Maharashtra, with its batting collapsing to an embarrassing 68. How much longer must Hyderabad cricket endure such performances before someone takes responsibility? More importantly, how long will the High Court-appointed Single Member Committee (SMC) continue to tolerate the questionable functioning of selectors who have repeatedly failed to deliver competitive state teams?
This is no longer about one bad day on the cricket field. It is about a disturbing pattern of mediocrity, questionable selections and an apparent absence of accountability. When a state team cannot even put up a respectable fight, questions inevitably arise about the selection process, the quality of preparation and the competence of those entrusted with building the team.
The batting scorecard itself makes for painful reading. It resembles a collection of postal codes rather than the performance of a state team competing at the national level! Names such as Niteesha Kunchala, Sandhya Gora, Katta Tejaswini and Kranthi Reddy continue to figure in the team, but where is the consistency and performance that justify repeated opportunities? Tejaswini’s struggles reportedly date back to the U-19 competition, while the repeated failures of others raise questions about their current form and ability to deliver.
Selection cannot become a lifetime privilege. A state jersey has to be earned through performance, not protected by familiarity, influence or endless opportunities. Hyderabad has aspiring cricketers who deserve a fair chance, but what message is being sent to them when repeated failures do not appear to invite serious reconsideration?
SELECTORS MUST ANSWER
The bigger question is about the selectors themselves. Who evaluates their decisions? What performance parameters are they following? Are merit, consistency, match temperament and current form genuinely determining selections, or have other considerations crept into the process?
More disturbing are allegations circulating within cricketing circles about a possible ‘pay-to-play’ culture, including claims of inducements, gifts and expensive mobile phones allegedly influencing selections. These are serious allegations, not established facts, and deserve an impartial investigation rather than convenient silence. If there is credible evidence, the SMC must ensure that selection records, complaints and the conduct of those involved are independently scrutinised. Nobody entrusted with selecting a state team should be beyond accountability.
SMC CANNOT WASH ITS HANDS
The SMC was appointed to bring discipline, transparency and structural improvement to Hyderabad cricket. Surely, overseeing the administration cannot mean merely occupying the chair and watching the game from the pavilion while the institution continues to slide. If selectors repeatedly produce teams incapable of competing, what exactly is the purpose of retaining them?
Hyderabad’s women’s cricket is staring at a dangerous decline. If these performances continue, the prospect of slipping from the Elite group to the Plate competition cannot be dismissed. That would be a serious setback for a state with considerable cricketing talent.
The HCA needs an immediate and comprehensive review of women’s selections across the U-19, U-23 and senior categories, an objective assessment of individual performances over the last two seasons, and an independent examination of credible complaints concerning selection irregularities. Clear performance benchmarks must replace arbitrary selection decisions, while deserving youngsters must be given genuine opportunities.
The players, too, must introspect. Repeated opportunities bring responsibility, not immunity from criticism. Nobody is bigger than Hyderabad cricket, and no place in a state team should be permanent.
A 92-run defeat and an innings collapsing to 68 should be enough to set alarm bells ringing. But will anyone listen? Or will the SMC, selectors and those responsible once again wait for the next humiliation before offering another explanation?
Hyderabad cricket does not need another committee meeting, another assurance or cosmetic reshuffling. It needs accountability, credible selections and results. If the selectors cannot deliver, show them the door. If the SMC cannot enforce accountability, it must explain why. Hyderabad’s cricketing future cannot be sacrificed at the altar of misplaced loyalties and administrative indifference.
