Vijay Rao The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) finds itself, yet again, at a critical inflection point—caught between the promise of reform and the persistence of governance concerns that refuse to fade. Fresh questions have emerged over the Association’s handling of conflict-of-interest norms, particularly in the run-up to its recent elections. A pre-election representation submitted by…
Vinay Rao At a time when cricket seasons across India are already in full swing, Hyderabad finds itself confronting a question that should never arise in any serious sporting ecosystem: will the season begin—or be stopped before it even takes off? While associations in Tamil Nadu, Andhra, and Karnataka have moved ahead with seamless scheduling,…
Vinay Rao At face value, the Hyderabad Cricket Association exists for one purpose: cricket. That is its mandate, its identity, its reason to exist. But increasingly, an uncomfortable question refuses to go away—has the “C” in HCA quietly lost its meaning? Because if recent developments are anything to go by, cricket no longer seems to…
By Vinay Rao Every IPL season brings with it packed stands, roaring crowds, and high-decibel excitement. But alongside the spectacle on the field, there is a far more predictable phenomenon off it—an annual awakening within sections of Hyderabad’s cricketing ecosystem that insiders now describe, with pointed irony, as the “Kumbhakarna Culture.” A system that remains…
Vinay Rao For over three decades, whispers of irregularities and backdoor control mechanisms have echoed through the corridors of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. What was long dismissed as “internal politics” has now entered a more serious phase, with the Crime Investigation Department (CID), Telangana, formally seeking information and examining records linked to a prolonged period of ambiguity, silence,…
By Vinay Rao Hyderabad cricket is in turmoil yet again—not for anything that has happened on the field, but for what continues to unfold off it. A domestic tournament had reached its logical conclusion: matches completed, finalists decided, dates fixed, and approvals in place. Then came a sudden twist—an Ombudsman’s order halted the final, only…
By Vinay Rao The appointment of a new Secretary is not merely a change in office—it is a defining moment for the future of cricket administration in Hyderabad. Expectations are particularly high—not only because of the current state of affairs, but also because the Secretary has assumed office with unanimous backing and is widely perceived…
Though the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s league season has ended, our e-paper’s effort to highlight the urgent need to clean up its administration continues. Through a series of articles offering sharp and factual critiques, we have repeatedly pointed out the systemic failures and questionable decisions that appear driven by vested interests rather than the welfare of…
By Vinay Rao Every few years, Hyderabad cricket produces a spectacle that rivals anything seen on the field — the HCA elections. The current season promises to be one of the most entertaining yet. It began with a sudden enthusiasm to conduct elections. Normally, such an important exercise would involve careful thought and a serious…
Vinay Rao Hyderabad cricket is not merely drifting — it is sleepwalking into a storm. Across the city, unapproved private tournaments, auction-based leagues, and cash-driven corporate matches are mushrooming at alarming speed. Registered state and even Ranji players are participating openly. What is being dismissed as “off-season opportunity” is, in reality, a structural challenge to…
