Published: July 5, 2026 at 9:39 pm
One of the grouses against the Hyderabad Cricket Association, over the years, has been that the cricket body has systematically neglected district cricketers. The constant refrain has been ‘how many district players have found a place in the Hyderabad state teams.’
It is not that no district player has ever played for any Hyderabad team. There have been a few cases but not many. However, the cacophony has become more resonant over the last few years.
Ganesh is an answer to HCA’s so-called apathy of district cricket, all-rounder lauds TG20
In a bid to drown the cacophony as well as to reinforce its commitment to grassroot cricket, the Hyderabad Cricket Association has made it mandatory for the franchisees to incorporate district players in the TG20 Premier League.
On Sunday, the district players from across Telangana came together for a special media interaction at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
The interaction featured the district cricketers from all the eight franchises in the league. With every franchise mandated to include district players in its squad, the league has provided a professional platform for cricketers to compete alongside established first-class players and showcase their skills on one of Telangana’s biggest stages.
Hyderabad E-Champions all-rounder Ganesh Gadugu, who has been one of the standout district performers for the unbeaten table-toppers with 212 runs in six matches, described the league as a platform which district cricketers had been waiting for.
“We get to prove ourselves as district players and compete alongside some of the best players in the state. We have been waiting for a platform like this for many years. TG20 has created opportunities for district players to showcase their talent and prove themselves,” he said, while thanking the organisers for creating the platform.
G Sai Krishna Reddy of Khammam Aces
Khammam Aces batter G Sai Krishna Reddy has been among the most consistent district batters in the tournament, amassing 172 runs in five innings at an average of 43.00 and a strike rate of 163.81, including an unbeaten 56. He said the tournament has given players from smaller districts the opportunity to perform on a much bigger stage.
“TG20 is a really big platform to showcase our skills. Playing alongside experienced first-class cricketers and performing in front of them is a big achievement. If we continue to perform consistently on platforms like this, it can take us to greater heights,” he shared.
I am gaining a lot of experience through TG20, says district player Afreedi Ahmed
Palamuru Strikers’ bowler Mohammad Afreedi Ahmed, who has picked up two wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 8.06, said the league had accelerated his development as a cricketer while helping him chase his dream of playing at the highest level.
“I am gaining a lot of experience through TG20. I am learning every day, whether it is fielding, understanding match situations or improving my overall game. It is a very good tournament for youngsters and a great platform for district players like us,” he said.
T Arun Kumar of Ranga Reddy Risers
Ranga Reddy Risers fast bowler T Arun Kumar, who has claimed five wickets in six matches, said TG20 had finally provided district players with the exposure they had long been waiting for. Having become the first cricketer from Gadwal district to represent Hyderabad in state cricket, Arun believes the league has opened new doors for players from smaller districts.
“For district players, this league is extremely important. We had been waiting for an opportunity like this for the last four years. Other states had similar leagues, but now Telangana has one too. This year we finally got that chance, and TG20 has given us the exposure we never had before,” he said.
TVS Narayana Teja of Karimnagar Diamonds
Karimnagar Diamonds all-rounder TVS Narayana Teja has enjoyed a productive campaign, scoring 72 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 130.91, including a best of 45, while also claiming seven wickets in six matches. He said the tournament had instilled confidence in district cricketers by exposing them to a professional franchise environment.
“It has been a really good experience. This is a very good tournament and if we prove ourselves here, it gives us the confidence to compete at a much higher level. I am very happy to be part of such a big tournament,” he concluded.
