Special Correspondent
The launch of TG20 was projected as a new beginning for Hyderabad and Telangana cricket. It was marketed as a platform that would create opportunities for local players, strengthen the domestic structure and bring professionalism into the administration of the game.
Yet, even before the tournament has properly taken off, uncomfortable questions are being raised about the appointment of individuals operating behind the scenes and the lack of transparency surrounding key decisions.
The most pertinent question is simple: Why does the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) need an individual from Andhra Pradesh to act as an “expert” for TG20 operations, reportedly on substantial remuneration, when Telangana itself has produced countless cricket administrators, former players, coaches and professionals capable of handling such responsibilities?
More importantly, was this appointment made through a transparent process? Was there an open selection mechanism? Were multiple candidates evaluated? Or was the individual simply brought in through recommendations from influential power brokers who continue to wield influence despite having no formal accountability to Telangana cricket?
The individual in question, Bharani Kumar, is not a cricketing icon whose credentials are beyond scrutiny. He reportedly worked in a similar capacity with a franchise in the Andhra Premier League (APL) and is known in Andhra cricket circles for his involvement in player development and league operations.
That, however, is not the issue.
The issue is whether Telangana cricket has become so devoid of talent and expertise that HCA must import operational consultants from elsewhere while overlooking its own former players, administrators, and professionals.
After all, Telangana was carved out after a long and emotional struggle for self-governance. The demand was not merely political. It was also about ending dependence on external control and ensuring that local talent received opportunities in administration, employment and decision-making.
If TG20 is intended to be Telangana’s flagship cricket tournament, should not Telangana’s own professionals be at the forefront of running it?
Several former Hyderabad cricketers have served as coaches, mentors, talent scouts and support staff in the Indian Premier League. Some have worked with national teams, state associations and corporate sporting organisations. Their experience far exceeds that of many individuals currently influencing decisions from behind closed doors.
Why were they ignored?
Equally troubling are reports and allegations circulating within cricket circles regarding possible conflicts of interest. Questions have been raised about whether adequate due diligence was conducted before assigning responsibilities. There are also concerns being expressed about information flows and the possibility of privileged access during crucial stages of the league’s formation.
These concerns may ultimately prove unfounded. But the very fact that such questions are being asked reflects a growing trust deficit.
The only way to dispel doubts is through transparency.
HCA owes answers to its stakeholders.
Who recommended Bharani Kumar?
What were the terms of his engagement?
What remuneration is being paid?
What specific expertise justified his selection over numerous qualified Telangana candidates?
Was the decision approved through proper institutional procedures?
Most importantly, who actually controls TG20 operations?
These questions become even more relevant when one hears persistent whispers about the role of unelected power brokers, private cricket academies and individuals who continue to influence decisions despite having no direct mandate from Telangana’s cricketing community.
Many former players are privately expressing concern that a handful of individuals appear to be functioning as unofficial advisers to almost everyone in the system — from office-bearers to committee members and even those entrusted with overseeing reforms.
Such perceptions are damaging.
Hyderabad cricket has already suffered enormously because of opaque decision-making, factional politics and the concentration of power in a few hands. The state association cannot afford to repeat those mistakes under a new banner.
TG20 was supposed to represent a fresh start.
Instead, it risks becoming another example of why transparency remains the biggest casualty in cricket administration.
No one is questioning any individual’s right to work across state boundaries. Cricket is a national game and talent has no geographical limitations.
But when a state association repeatedly bypasses local expertise while simultaneously refusing to explain its choices, it invites legitimate scrutiny.
Telangana’s cricketers have every right to ask whether their own state is incapable of producing professionals to manage its premier cricket league.
And if the answer is “No,” then HCA must explain why outsiders continue to be preferred over local talent.
Until those answers are provided, the questions will only grow louder.
Because TG20 belongs to Telangana cricket, not to a closed circle of power brokers operating from the shadows.
