Our Sports Desk
Hyderabad: Alleging that justice continues to remain elusive despite repeatedly approaching the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and various government authorities, a group of parents of aspiring women cricketers has sought urgent intervention to ensure a fair, transparent and merit-based selection process for Hyderabad Women’s Cricket teams for the 2026-27 season.
In what has been described as a “Common Memorandum,” several parents have jointly submitted their representation to the Single-Member Committee overseeing the affairs of the HCA, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Director-General of Police, the Women’s Safety Wing of the Telangana Police, and other concerned authorities.
The unsigned copy of the memorandum, which was shared with this e-paper, raises serious concerns over alleged external interference in the women’s team selection process and calls for institutional safeguards to protect the interests of deserving young cricketers.
The parents have stated that their representation is not aimed at targeting any individual or group, but at ensuring that merit, fairness and transparency remain the cornerstone of women’s cricket in Hyderabad.
“Our representation highlights the need for equal opportunity for all deserving players, protection from unauthorized interference in the selection process, and appropriate consideration for players who have consistently represented Hyderabad over the past four years,” the covering letter accompanying the memorandum stated.
“Our sole objective is to safeguard the future of young women cricketers and uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and integrity in the game,” it added.
The memorandum assumes significance at a time when concerns over transparency in player selections and allegations of favoritism have repeatedly surfaced in Hyderabad cricket circles. Parents say that despite bringing such issues to the notice of the HCA and other stakeholders in the past, corrective measures have largely remained absent.
Several stakeholders, who believe that their grievances are not receiving adequate attention elsewhere, have increasingly turned to OrangeNews9 to highlight their concerns. They contend that the absence of wider media scrutiny on issues affecting grassroots and women’s cricket has left many young players and their families feeling unheard.
The aggrieved parents have painted a poignant picture of the sacrifices made by aspiring women cricketers and their families over the years.
“Our daughters have dedicated years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice to represent Hyderabad with pride. As parents, we have invested our time, financial resources and unwavering support in helping them pursue their cricketing dreams,” the memorandum stated.
The parents emphasised that their daughters have spent years balancing academics, intensive training schedules and competitive cricket, often at considerable financial and personal cost to their families. They argued that such dedication deserves a selection process that is beyond reproach.
Among the key demands made in the memorandum is that the selection of players must be based solely on merit, performance, fitness, discipline and commitment to the game. They have sought a transparent and objective mechanism that gives every deserving player an equal opportunity to earn her place in the Hyderabad team.
The parents have also demanded that the Selection Committee be allowed to function independently and without any external influence.
“No former office-bearer or any person holding no official position in the HCA should be permitted to interfere with or influence the selection process,” the memorandum said.
Expressing concern over what they described as the possibility of undue influence, favoritism and abuse of power, the parents asserted that such practices, if allowed, would not only undermine the morale of players but also damage the credibility and future of women’s cricket in Hyderabad.
“We condemn any abuse of power, favoritism or undue influence and seek measures to preserve the credibility of Hyderabad Women’s Cricket,” they stated.
The memorandum further highlights that Hyderabad has produced several talented women cricketers over the years, and maintaining an honest and transparent selection process is critical to nurturing future talent. According to the parents, young cricketers should be encouraged to believe that their performances on the field alone determine their prospects of representing Hyderabad and progressing to higher levels of the game.
They also sought appropriate consideration for players who have consistently represented Hyderabad over the past four seasons, arguing that sustained performances and commitment to the state team should not be overlooked.
While expressing anguish over the present circumstances, the parents maintained that their appeal remains constructive and rooted in the larger interests of the game.
“We trust that the concerned authorities will uphold the principles of justice, transparency and good governance in the best interests of Hyderabad Women’s Cricket,” the memorandum concluded.
As women’s cricket continues to witness unprecedented growth across India, the concerns raised by these parents serve as a reminder that the success of the sport at the highest level is built upon fair opportunities at the grassroots. Whether the concerned authorities will act upon their appeal remains to be seen, but for now, the parents say they will continue their fight to ensure that merit alone determines who wears the Hyderabad colours.
