The Hyderabad Under-19 team, which had won the Vinoo Mankad Trophy in the 2025-26 season last year, was felicitated during the closing ceremony of the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s TG20 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Much water has flown under the bridge since the Hyderabad Under-19 team had won the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The HCA top brass, till now, had not found the time or the occasion to felicitate the team. This is not a new happening in the HCA. The HCA officials have been lethargic in honouring their own players over the last few years.
The championship-winning squad was honoured in front of a packed crowd, celebrating their remarkable achievement on the national stage. The felicitation served as a fitting tribute to the young cricketers, many of whom have already begun making their mark in the inaugural season of the TG20.
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Several members of the title-winning side featured prominently in the tournament, underlining the depth of Hyderabad’s cricketing talent. Aaron George captained the Hyderabad Under-19 team to the Vinoo Mankad Trophy triumph and also represented the Ranga Reddy Risers alongside Alankrith Rapole. Wafi Kachchhi, who enjoyed a memorable campaign for Khammam Aces, reaching the final with them. Nipun Reddy also gained valuable experience during the tournament while with Palamuru Strikers.
The recognition highlighted the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s commitment to creating a clear pathway for young cricketers, with the TG20 providing a platform for the state’s brightest prospects to compete alongside experienced domestic players and further accelerate their development.
The felicitation was one of the highlights of the closing ceremony, celebrating not only Hyderabad’s success in age-group cricket but also the promising future of the game’s next generation.
