After Ambati Rayudu, Vihari has put the ruling YSRCP in a precarious position — with his decision "not to play for Andhra".
Hanuma Vihari (Supplied)
Following Indian international batsman Hanuma Vihari’s announcement on Monday, on 26 February, that he would not represent Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket citing “political interference”, a political match has unfolded in the state.
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) refuted the allegations of “political interference”, pledging a thorough investigation.
On the other hand, the TDP promised to reinstate Vihari as the captain of Andhra’s Ranji team within two months, expressing confidence in winning the upcoming Assembly elections.
Following the 30-year-old cricketer’s post on X (formerly Twitter) explaining why he had to step down as the captain of the Andhra Ranji team, the hashtag #WeStandWithHanuma started trending on the social media platform and became the second-highest on India trends.
This was the second time in less than two months that the ruling YSRCP landed in a precarious position following a tussle with a cricketer.
Earlier, Ambati Rayudu joined the party and left it within 10 days. “Aadudam Andhra” (Let’s play for Andhra) was a sports programme initially campaigned for by Rayudu before he departed from the YSRCP.
Hanuma Vihari, a middle-order batsman, gained popularity as a star in the Sydney test during India’s tour of Australia in 2021.
The cricketer is also associated with the 80-year-old ACA, which has been embroiled in controversy over its appointees by the YSRCP.
The president and vice-president of the ACA, appointed by the YSRCP government, are brothers who are affiliated with the party.
The president of ACA, P Sarath Chandra Reddy, serves as a non-executive director of Aurobindo Pharma and was previously implicated as a part of the “South Group” in the alleged scam related to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021. He eventually turned approver in the case.
Meanwhile, its vice-president Rohit Reddy is also the son-in-law of YSRCP Rajya Sabha member V Vijaya Sai Reddy.
Although Vihari did not directly reference the board members, he claimed on X that the ACA compelled him to resign as captain due to interference from a teammate’s father, who was a politician.
According to the ACA, Vihari used foul language, and a complaint was filed by a fellow player.
Wicketkeeper-batsman KN Prudhvi Raj, who was part of the Andhra Ranji team that played against Bengal, stated in an Instagram post that Vihari was referring to him.
Prudhvi Raj’s father Kuntrapakam Narasimha is a YSRCP corporator from Tirupati. Incidentally, Sarath Chandra Reddy is a board member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
The TDP and the Jana Sena responded to Vihari’s allegations. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu expressed his dismay and said it was shameful that a cricketer had fallen victim to politics.
On X, he urged Vihari to stay strong, emphasising his integrity and commitment to the game.
Naidu wrote, “These unjust actions don’t reflect the true spirit of Andhra Pradesh or our people. We stand with you, and we’ll ensure justice prevails.”
It’s a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP’s vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh.
Hanuma, stay strong – your integrity…
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 27, 2024
Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh expressed confidence in the TDP coming to power and invited Vihari to return, pledging to roll out the red carpet for him in two months.
అంతర్జాతీయస్థాయి క్రికెటర్ కన్నా… వైసిపి వీధినేత పంతమే మిన్న…!
జగన్మోహన్ రెడ్డి జమానాలో ఆడుదాం ఆంధ్రా అంటే ఏమో అనుకున్నా…క్రీడాకారుల జీవితాలతో చెలగాటమాడటం అని కొత్తగా తెలిసింది.(1/2)#WeStandWithHanuma pic.twitter.com/fuL8pCdxwL
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) February 27, 2024
Meanwhile, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan assured Vihari that he would definitely play for Andhra next year. He acknowledged Vihari’s contributions and expressed solidarity with the cricketer.
Represented our ‘Bharath’ in 16 Test Matches, Scored 5 half Centuries & a Century, His Heroics in Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable.
As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra Team to qualify for the knockouts 5 times in the last 7 years. From Playing with… pic.twitter.com/Z3bQOqwKeE
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) February 27, 2024
Former sports minister and TDP leader Kollu Ravindra, in a press conference at the TDP office, alleged that the fixed deposits of the ACA amounted to over ₹120 crore in 2019, but currently stood at ₹20 crore.
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