Special Correspondent
In what could mark a decisive turning point for the embattled Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), newly appointed Director of Cricket Administration and former India international Ambati Rayudu has laid out an uncompromising vision to clean up the system and restore the city’s lost cricketing glory.
In an exclusive interaction with our Senior Editor on the sidelines of a press conference on Tuesday, Rayudu spoke candidly about the challenges ahead, the deep-rooted issues plaguing the association, and his determination to rebuild trust among players and fans alike.
At the outset, Rayudu described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility. “It’s a privilege to be entrusted with this role. Having grown up in Hyderabad, this isn’t just another assignment for me—it’s personal,” he said, underlining his emotional connect with the city’s cricketing ecosystem. “I know every ground, every gully, and the kind of talent this city produces. That’s what makes this opportunity meaningful.”
Rayudu’s entry into administration comes at a time when the HCA has been grappling with a series of controversies—from allegations of corruption and nepotism to the deeply damaging perception of a ‘pay-to-play’ culture that has discouraged genuine talent. For many, his appointment represents not just a structural change, but a moral reset.
Significantly, Rayudu is no stranger to the darker side of cricket administration. During his playing days, he himself was widely believed to have been at the receiving end of internal politics within the HCA—circumstances that eventually forced him to move out of the state to pursue his career. That lived experience now appears to be shaping his resolve.
“I’ve seen how systems can fail players,” he noted. “That’s exactly why transparency and fairness will be at the core of everything we do going forward.”
Central to his reform agenda is the introduction of complete transparency in selection processes. Rayudu emphasized that open trials would be the foundation for identifying talent, ensuring that every aspiring cricketer—regardless of background—gets a fair chance. “I was picked at the age of 13 through an open process. That pathway must remain open for every youngster, whether a boy or a girl,” he said.
In a bid to eliminate human interference and bias, the HCA will also introduce a technology-driven system for the allocation of match officials. Umpires, scorers, and other personnel will be assigned through randomized software, a move aimed at ensuring fairness and accountability across competitions.
Rayudu was unequivocal in his stance against corruption. “There will be zero tolerance. Any malpractice or attempt to influence the system will invite strict action, including suspension,” he asserted, sending a clear message to entrenched power brokers who have long been accused of manipulating the system.
Equally important, he said, is the need to modernize infrastructure and strengthen grassroots development. Plans are already underway to revamp cricket academies, introduce structured coaching programs, and adopt best practices from leading cricket associations across the country. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we just need to implement what works, and do it honestly,” he remarked.
The ultimate objective, according to Rayudu, goes beyond administrative reform. “We want to build winning teams again. Hyderabad should be competing for—and winning—trophies at every level. That’s the benchmark,” he said, making it clear that performance on the field will be the true measure of success.
Observers note that Rayudu’s appointment was made possible through the proactive efforts of newly elected HCA Secretary Jeevan Reddy, who is widely seen as committed to institutional reform. Sources indicate that it was Reddy who persuaded a reluctant Rayudu to take up the role, assuring him complete autonomy to function independently and in the best interests of the game.
The clean-up process is also being overseen by Justice Naveen Rao, a former High Court judge, whose presence is expected to lend credibility and neutrality to the reform measures. Together, the new leadership is attempting to dismantle entrenched networks that have long undermined the association’s credibility.
Rayudu acknowledged the support extended by the current leadership. “I’m grateful to the HCA, especially the Secretary and Justice Naveen Rao, for placing their trust in me. It gives me the confidence to take bold decisions,” he said.
