Published: May 5, 2026 at 10:14 pm
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) on Tuesday appointed former India player Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu as director of cricket operations and formed an anti-corruption & security (ASC) unit which will be chaired by Justice (retd) Pingle Vijender. The HCA has been at the receiving end over allegations of corruption and by making these two key appointments it is attempting to refurbish its image.
The 40-year-old Rayudu will oversee cricketing activities, development programs, and operational efficiency within HCA. His vast experience as an international cricketer is expected to bring professional insight and inspire the next generation of Hyderabad cricketers, says an HCA release.
“I am very happy to announce that I have been appointed as the Head of cricketing operations for HCA. by Justice P Naveen Rao (SMC), M Jeevan Reddy (Secretary HCA) and the apex council. It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things but I am more excited to see the immense cricketing talent in Hyderabad and Telangana flourish and produce more players to represent the country,” Rayudu tweeted on X.
Justice (retd) Pingle Vijender, HCA secretary M Jeevan Reddy, HCA president Amarnath and former India player AT Rayudu at a press conference at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday
Rayudu, who had announced his retirement for cricket almost three years ago, will take charge with immediate effect on an initial three-year term. The right-handed bat stated that he had come into the HCA to serve Hyderabad and spoke about an ambitious vision centered on reform, transparency, and structural overhaul.
Rayudu said his concerns will be about streamlining cricketing operations and ensuring fairness in selections of teams across all age groups. “My focus will be on nurturing talent and creating a merit-based environment for every cricketer in Hyderabad,” said Rayudu. “I’m a firm believer that cricket should be separated from administration and all the other related matters. Cricket should be run with players being the priority, and my job is to look after players’ welfare and make Hyderabad a powerhouse of domestic cricket,” he stated.
https://x.com/RayuduAmbati/status/2051670269148946593?s=20
Rayudu, who has played Hyderabad, Andhra, Baroda and Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, said he was game for addressing deeper concerns and that identifying and eliminating corruption was an immediate priority for him. “A player contract system, like what the Mumbai Cricket Association recently announced, is in the pipeline. We will modernise and professionalise our cricketing operations, which will be automated to avoid human interference,” he stated.
Will Rayudu be given a free hand to reform the system?
Rayudu was vocal about his vision and roadmap but how much of it will be implemented. Will Rayudu be able to act ‘independently’ to bring in some much-needed reforms in the system as well as clean up the ‘stinking’ stable?
Rayudu was a fearless batter on the field and, off the field too, he has been known to speak his mind without any hesitation. The Hyderabadi has very strong views and hence working ‘within the HCA system’ may not be a ball in the park for him.
AT Rayudu, who was appointed director of cricket operations in the HCA, addressing the media on Tuesday
Another former India player MSK Prasad had done wonders in the Andhra Cricket Association when he was the director of cricket operations. Andhra is still reaping the fruits of his hard work and vision. But the key to his success was that he was given a free hand by ACA secretary Gokaraju Gangaraju. There was zero interference from the ACA officials in cricket matters, which was exclusively managed by MSK. Hence, he was able to envision and implement things.
Will Rayudu be given that kind of independence? It is still a matter of conjecture. If that doesn’t happen then things will come back to square one sooner than later.
ASC to deal with corruption
With allegations of corruption in league matches and selection of players becoming rampant over the years, the HCA formed the ASC, which will be an independent unit. The ASC, chaired by Justice Vijender, will monitor matches, probe corruption complaints, conduct education programs, and coordinate with BCCI ACU. “Any conduct that compromises fairness will be dealt with firmly,” said Justice Vijender.
The HCA has also created a dedicated email ID for reporting grievances related to cricketing matters and corruption: hcagrievance@gmail.com. All grievances will be acknowledged promptly and addressed in a time-bound manner. Strict confidentiality will be maintained at every stage of the redressal process to protect the identity and interests of the complainant, says the HCA release.
The HCA has also decided to constitute a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Committee shortly to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all stakeholders. The Committee will comprise members as mandated under the POSH Act, 2013, and will establish a strictly confidential and sensitive mechanism for reporting and addressing complaints, ensuring that no complainant faces any form of retaliation or bias.
League season to commence from May 12
The HCA league season 2026–27 will commence from May 12, 2026. The season will feature A Division and B Division T20 Championships. Detailed schedules, team registrations, and playing conditions will be communicated to all affiliated units well in advance to ensure smooth conduct of the league, the release adds.
The HCA Academy too will undergo comprehensive revamping to enhance player development, infrastructure, and training standards. The revamped Academy will focus on structured age-group programs, qualified coaching staff, modern training equipment, and regular assessment systems to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level, build elite-level cricketers through scientific training, provide year-round coaching & performance programs and establish Hyderabad as a high-performance cricket hub.
HCA to expand its footprint in rural regions
As HCA has been under fire for neglecting cricket in the districts, secretary M Jeevan Reddy said that the association was actively working to expand its footprint into rural regions, with infrastructure development taking center stage. “Mahabubnagar and Karimnagar have new stadiums. Apart from these two, we also acquired a ground in Nizamabad. We are also in discussion for land acquisition in Khammam, Warangal and Nalgonda. It should be finalised in the next two or three months,” he said.
