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Star Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has stirred up a storm in the cricketing world after announcing his departure from Andhra Cricket following a contentious episode involving his removal from captaincy. The 30-year-old batter took to social media to express his frustrations, attributing politics and inflated egos within the cricketing fraternity as the catalysts for his decision.
Political interference to remove Hanuma Vihari from captaincy
The controversy ignited during a match between Andhra and Bengal when Vihari reportedly admonished the 17th player, KN Prudhviraj. Allegedly, Prudhviraj’s father, a politician, intervened, resulting in Vihari’s abrupt removal from the captaincy. In an emotional Instagram post, Vihari disclosed the injustice he faced, despite his stellar contributions to the team, which included leading them to the knockouts five times in seven years and representing India in 16 Test matches.
Ranji Trophy 2023/24 pic.twitter.com/PXHNG487BQ
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 26, 2024
In response to Vihari’s revelations, Prudhviraj refuted the allegations on Instagram, emphasizing the significance of self-respect. Vihari’s teammates rallied behind him, writing to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president, affirming their support for Vihari as captain.
The whole team knows! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l5dFkmjGN9
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 26, 2024
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Pawan Kalyan bats for Hanuma Vihari
The saga caught the attention of actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who expressed his dismay on social media. Kalyan criticized the Andhra cricket board’s decision, suggesting that political influence overshadowed Vihari’s contribution to the team. He lamented the treatment meted out to Vihari, highlighting the contradiction in the association’s priorities.
Kalyan’s post resonated with cricket enthusiasts, drawing attention to the plight of players embroiled in bureaucratic controversies. He extended his support to Vihari, commending his dedication to the sport and urging the state association to rectify its approach towards players.
“Represented our ‘Bharath’ in 16 Test Matches, Scored 5 half Centuries & a Century, His Heroics in Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable.
As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra Team to qualify for the knockouts 5 times in the last 7 years. From Playing with a fractured hand to an Injured Hamstring, @Hanumavihari always gave his everything for Bharath and for Andhra Pradesh in the domestic circuit.
And today, Andhra Cricket Association forced Vihari to resign from the captaincy just because a YCP Corporator wanted it. A Local YCP Politician with no cricket background is more valuable than an Indian Cricketer & Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team Captain to our Andhra Cricket Association. What a Shame!” tweeted Kalyan.
He added: “Mr.Jagan Mohan Reddy, What is the point of spending crores of money in events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the State Cricket Association humiliates and insults our Andhra Cricket Team Captain?
Dear @Hanumavihari garu, firstly you have been a Champion Player for the State and for the Nation. We thank you for your services and for inspiring young kids and players in Andhra. All Telugu Cricket Loving People feel pained and hurt with the treatment meted out to you by our State Association and We Stand with you.
Last but not the least, Wishing you the very best and I hope you will play for Andhra Again next year with a State Board that knows to respect and treat players with dignity.”
Represented our ‘Bharath’ in 16 Test Matches, Scored 5 half Centuries & a Century, His Heroics in Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable.
As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra Team to qualify for the knockouts 5 times in the last 7 years. From Playing with… pic.twitter.com/Z3bQOqwKeE
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) February 27, 2024
