Published: March 10, 2026 at 8:39 pm
Manney Jeevan Reddy has been unanimously elected secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) as the remaining six contestants, who had filed their nomination papers, pulled out of the contest on Tuesday.
Thus, Jeevan Reddy, who is a businessman with political connections, has virtually got a walkover from the other contestants.
“So far as the post of secretary is concerned, there is only one candidate in the fray. Hence, there is no requirement of taking poll for the said post,” Electoral Officer VS Sampath said in a release on Tuesday.
“For the post of Treasurer, poll shall be taken up on 15th March, 2026 as per the Election Schedule already notified,” he added in the release.
Jeevan Reddy’s candidature was proposed by C Sanjeev Reddy of Safilguda Cricket Club and seconded by G Ravi Kumar Reddy of Imperial Cricket Club. Jeevan Reddy is representing Oxford Blues Cricket Club in the HCA.
HCA member points out procedural issues in conduct of elections, seeks pause in process
Jeevan Reddy had quit the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and joined the Congress party in 2024. A former member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board (TTD), he is the nephew of Manney Srinivas Reddy, BRS MP from Mahabubnagar.
Given his credentials it is no surprise that the other contestants had withdrawn their papers. So, whether it was political pressure or prudence that made the other contestants to withdraw remains to be seen.
VHR backed Jeevan’s candidature
In fact, former Congress MP V Hanumantha Rao, who represents Amberpet Cricket Club in the HCA, had called for a press conference to request all the HCA members to support Jeevan Reddy’s candidature.
“I request everyone to support and elect Jeevan Reddy, who is contesting for the post of HCA secretary. He is contesting with the vision of developing sports, and if elected, he has promised to work towards the growth of cricket. When a person with such a positive vision, steps forward it is our responsibility to support and elect him,” Hanumantha Rao had stated in the press conference held at the FMC Club on Monday.
V Hanumantha Rao addressing a press conference in support of M Jeevan Reddy at the Fateh Maidan Club in Hyderabad on Monday. To his left is T Shesh Narayan, former Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary.
“He will work for the development of cricket in the district and will encourage young talent, especially from rural areas, by providing them with better opportunities in cricket. In Andhra, former president of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) Gokaraju Rangaraju carried out many developmental activities.
“Similarly, Jeevan Reddy has promised to undertake development initiatives in Telangana as well. He has assured that cricket grounds will be established in every district of Telangana,” stated Hanumantha Rao on behalf of Jeevan Reddy.
It is learnt that Jeevan Reddy is also very close to Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy.
Development plank wins it for Jeevan
One of the contestants, who till the last minute wanted to put up a fight, said, “Elections will be held after a few months again as the term of this body will end in September 2026. So, we were asked to withdraw as Jeevan has promised to develop cricket and focus on development,” he said on condition of anonymity.
“I have always fought for development so let us see if Jeevan keeps up his promises. If not, there is another election soon. Unless he does good, I am sure the voters will not elect him the next time,” he added.
Contest on for treasurer post
However, there will be a contest for the treasurer’s post as there are four contestants. They are: C Babu Rao, Dr K Anil Kumar, Dr R Harinarayana Rao and V Agam Rao.
According to sources, it will be a tight contest as Dr K Anil Kumar and V Agam Rao are both close to minister Dr G Vivekananda. In fact, both have been aligned with the Vivek group in the previous elections. Hence, it remains to be seen who Vivek and his group will back.
C Babu Rao is the ‘outsider’ and whether he will be able to play spoilsport is to be seen. Sources have indicated that in the present scenario, Dr R Harinarayana Rao stands a good chance to pull off a win.
“Harinarayana Rao is known for his integrity and honesty and will be a good candidate for the treasurer’s post. This time, he is likely to win as the fight between Anil and Agam will help consolidate his position. In the final count, anyone will be better than Anil, who is the most corrupt candidate,” said a former office-bearer of the HCA.
