MS Shanker
Hyderabad cricket, once a powerhouse producing top-tier players, is now a shadow of its former self. In previous articles, we identified the root causes behind the decline in standards. One major factor is the ineffective leadership within the Hyderabad Cricket Academy. Despite being an accomplished cricketer, Vijay Mohan Raj has failed to deliver as an administrator and mentor. His lack of strategic vision in coaching development has left the academy stagnant.
Vijay Mohan Raj, originally from Mumbai, was inducted into the Hyderabad Ranji team at the recommendation of Sunil Gavaskar. Former HCA Secretary P.R. Mansingh facilitated his entry, as he wasn’t getting enough opportunities in Mumbai. While his playing credentials are solid, his coaching record pales in comparison to contemporaries like Vijay Paul, Nagesh Hammand, and M.V. Narasimha Rao.
Saibaba, a former Ranji player for both Andhra and Hyderabad, stands out as a more effective coach. His Sports Coaching Foundation (SCF) has been instrumental in nurturing young talent. Unfortunately, HCA’s internal politics have stifled such independent efforts, preventing SCF from playing a more prominent role.
Reviving Hyderabad cricket starts with strengthening the academy. This demands fresh leadership and highly qualified coaches committed to nurturing young talent. In the past, coaches like Aibara, Bhoopathy, and Sampath played a crucial role, producing a steady stream of quality players.
A major concern is the lack of commitment and discipline among current players. Exceptions like Jyothi Prasad, Kanwaljit Singh, Maheshwar Singh, and Noel David, who have stayed connected to the game through coaching, are few and far between. Another dedicated former cricketer, Naushir Mehta, remains actively involved, but their collective impact is limited without institutional support.
One pertinent question remains: Why isn’t HCA utilizing these experienced players as coaches? Instead, they choose to hire external coaches like Karnataka’s Krishna Prasad at exorbitant costs, ignoring local talent.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/who-ruined-hyderabad-cricket-part-ii/
Noel David, known for his outspoken nature, believes the revival of Hyderabad cricket hinges on administrative reforms. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) must discipline its league teams, many of which are more interested in power and monetary benefits than in genuine cricketing development.
One of the biggest open secrets in Hyderabad cricket is the prevalence of pay-to-play selections. Many senior cricketers acknowledge this but refuse to speak publicly. Corrupt club politics have led to talent being sidelined in favour of those with financial influence.
The Supreme Court-appointed ombudsman, L Nageshwar Rao, did take steps to blacklist individuals owning multiple teams. However, allegations persist that he turned a blind eye to certain influential figures, including a former HCA secretary who controls multiple teams. The rule that no individual should own more than one club must be enforced strictly to curb corruption.
P.R. Mansingh, a former HCA secretary, bears some responsibility for the current state of affairs. During his tenure, he enabled his loyalists to acquire multiple clubs, strengthening his control over the association. While his governance may have kept some aspects of HCA functional, it ultimately fuelled an environment where political maneuvering trumped the sport itself.
The Supreme Court must revisit Hyderabad cricket’s decline and take corrective measures. While it has previously ruled that only those with a background in the sport should run associations, this logic is flawed if it excludes politicians while allowing corrupt administrators to continue unchecked.
A real clean-up should begin by disqualifying club secretaries who control multiple teams and dissolving their influence over elections and team selections. Had the ombudsman taken a stricter stance, Hyderabad cricket wouldn’t have deteriorated further.
A potential solution is for the Supreme Court to appoint a five-member panel to oversee Hyderabad cricket’s administration. This panel could include:
- M.V. Narasimha Rao (settled in Ireland), is a former Indian cricketer with an impeccable track record.
- S Venkateswaran, a former joint secretary known for his integrity.
- Jyoti Prasad/Maheshwar Singh, are respected coaches who have suffered due to internal politics.
- C.V. Anand, a civil servant and cricket enthusiast committed to the sport’s betterment.
- A retired Supreme Court or High Court judge, nominated by the apex court for impartial oversight.
A one-man ombudsman is insufficient to resolve HCA’s deep-rooted issues. Structural reforms and stringent enforcement of ethical governance are the only way to restore Hyderabad cricket to its former glory. (Coming Next: Part IV – We expose the cases framed against cricketers and administrators by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and uncover why punitive action stalled despite damning evidence.)
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/who-ruined-hyderabad-cricket/
