Hanuma Vihari, the renowned Indian cricketer celebrated for his heroic performance in the 2021 Australia tour, recently announced his resignation from the Andhra Cricket Association. Vihari expressed feeling humiliated and embarrassed, citing political interference in his role as the Andhra captain during the Ranji Trophy season.
The middle-order batsman revealed that he stepped down after just one match, following a heated incident with a teammate during a game against Bengal. Despite winning the match, the association requested his resignation, leaving Vihari disheartened.
In the midst of this cricket turmoil, Pawan Kalyan extended his support to Vihari. Kalyan criticized the Andhra Cricket Association, accusing them of bowing to political pressure from a YCP Corporator with no cricket background. He expressed disappointment at prioritizing a local politician over a highly accomplished Indian cricketer, deeming it a shameful act.
Directing his concerns to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kalyan questioned the purpose of spending large sums on events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the state cricket association mistreats and insults the Andhra Cricket Team Captain.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his thoughts on social media, stating, “Hanuma Vihari represented our country in 16 Test Matches, scoring 5 half-centuries and a century. His outstanding performance in the Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable. As the captain of Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team, he played a crucial role in qualifying the team for the knockouts five times in the last seven years. Despite playing with a fractured hand and an injured hamstring, @Hanumavihari always gave his best for India and Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket.”
Pawan Kalyan went on to criticize the Andhra Cricket Association for pressuring Vihari to resign from the captaincy, allegedly at the behest of a YCP Corporator. He expressed dismay that a local politician with no cricket background was considered more valuable to the association than an accomplished Indian cricketer and the captain of Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team, terming it a shameful act.
Addressing Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Pawan Kalyan questioned the purpose of spending significant funds on events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the State Cricket Association humiliates the Andhra Cricket Team Captain. He conveyed his disappointment, stating, “Dear @Hanumavihari garu, you have been a champion player for the state and the nation. We appreciate your contributions and thank you for inspiring young kids and players in Andhra. The treatment you received from our State Association is painful for all Telugu cricket-loving people, and we stand with you. Wishing you the very best, and I hope you will play for Andhra again next year with a State Board that knows how to respect and treat players with dignity.”
