During their discussion, Lokesh assured Vihari of full support for his comeback to Andhra cricket. The minister also criticised the former YS Jagan government for their treatment of Vihari.
Published Jun 25, 2024 | 6:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 25, 2024 | 6:35 PM
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh with cricketer Hanuma Vihari (X)
Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari met with Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource development, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh on Tuesday, 25 June and expressed his optimism about returning to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).
During their discussion, Lokesh assured Vihari of full support for his comeback to Andhra cricket.
“I am so happy meeting him and I got full assurance from him. I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association and Andhra as well, and sports in general.,” Vihari said.
“I look forward to the success of Andhra cricket and to being a part of it. It’s good to be back in Andhra cricket,” he added.
Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari met with #AndhraPradesh Minister @naralokesh. @Hanumavihari expressed hope that he can move past the humiliation he faced from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) when he was removed as the state team captain and forced to resign as a player.… pic.twitter.com/ZvtutnuZwJ
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) June 25, 2024
This meeting comes in the wake of Vihari’s earlier public statements about the humiliation he faced from the ACA, which included his removal as state team captain and subsequent forced resignation as a player.
The 30-year-old had felt sidelined and humiliated by the decisions made under the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. He expressed hope that he can move past the humiliation.
Minister Lokesh, addressing the situation, criticized the former government for their treatment of Vihari.
He described the political bullying, humiliation, and expulsion the cricketer faced under the previous government as shameful.
The minister also assured Vihari the current administration’s commitment to providing a supportive environment and invited him back to Andhra Pradesh.
Delighted to meet Indian cricketer @hanumavihari today. How he was subjected to political bullying, humiliated and driven out of Andhra Cricket by the earlier Govt was shameful. I have invited him back to Andhra Pradesh and asked him to strive to make Telugus proud once again. He… pic.twitter.com/6RlEeIbLUD
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 25, 2024
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
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