Hyderabad: Cricketer Hanuma Vihari’s announcement to exit the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has put the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on a sticky wicket—much like his previous declaration to leave had done for the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) during its tenure last year.
Vihari had vowed “never to play again” for the Andhra Ranji team, alleging political interference in cricket, about a year and a half ago. The assertion had stirred a storm in sports circles, and taken political and caste colours in the poll-bound state back then. Vihari had, however, returned to Andhra cricket soon after the regime changed in the state in June 2024.
On Tuesday, in a cryptic message on X, 31-year-old Vihari, who has played 16 Test matches for India, revealed his decision to move to the Tripura Cricket Association, where he’ll be “representing the state in all three formats of the game”.
“While I’m grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association for the role they’ve played in my journey so far, I believe it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently across formats,” Vihari, a right-handed batsman, wrote.
New Chapter begins… pic.twitter.com/ufBxmxA8vU
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) August 26, 2025
With the tables turned in Andhra, the YSRCP is now accusing ACA under the TDP of denying the popular Telugu cricketer opportunities and forcing out his exit.
“Severe allegations, accusations were made earlier against Jagan government regarding the same Hanuma Vihari issue. Now, the Andhra Cricket Association is entirely under the control of TDP people. So, who caused Vihari to feel frustrated? Who has denied him opportunities?” the party posted on X Tuesday.
The YSRCP demanded the ruling side’s response “to Vihari’s allegations that despite his capability, he is not getting opportunities here”.
“Who is accountable here… ACA president, TDP MP Kesineni Chinni, or its secretary, another TDP MP Sana Sathish?” asked the party.
While Sarath Chandra Reddy, an accused in the Delhi “liquor scam” and close relative of former YSRCP MP Vijaysai Reddy, was presiding over the ACA during Jagan’s tenure, the state cricket body’s president now is TDP’s Vijayawada MP Sivanath alias Chinni. Sana is TDP’s Rajya Sabha MP and the honorary secretary of ACA.
On social media, Sivanath claimed that “under the present government & Andhra Cricket Association, cricket in AP is free from interference—only talent & opportunity matter”.
“In the past, politics overshadowed Andhra cricket & even players voiced their pain…
Hanuma Vihari’s earlier tweets reflect the difference. His move now shows players are free to pursue better chances. We wish him success, while continuing to back new and upcoming AP talent,” stated the ACA chief on X Wednesday, posting a collage of Vihari’s exit posts of February 2024 and Tuesday.
Vihari did not respond to ThePrint’s calls and messages seeking his response on the subject.
However, speaking to The Indian Express this week, the cricketer claimed he “did not get the due respect he deserved” and cited denial of a berth in the Andhra team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as the reason behind his decision to switch teams.
“Last year, when Andhra decided not to play me… if there are better options than (me) it is fine, but when they are not there and still I am not part of the side for the last two years… I have stayed for the Andhra side and players in it; somewhere, I felt I did not get the due respect I deserve,” the cricketer was quoted as saying.
“The ACA informed me about their decision to try younger players. I feel I can still play three formats, so, when I got an opportunity from another place, I wanted to give it a try,” he added.
Also Read: ‘Will never play for Andhra again’ — cricketer Hanuma Vihari’s allegations set off political storm
Exit & return last year
In February 2024, weeks after stepping down from the Andhra Ranji team, Vihari had complained of humiliation by the ACA, then under the YSRCP. The TDP, then in the opposition, had rallied in support of the Telugu cricketer, slamming Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party for “vindictive politics” and “henchmen” in the cricket body.
Stating that he was appalled by the celebrated cricketer’s exit from Andhra cricket “due to the ruling party’s political interference”, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh had invited Vihari to “come back to play for Andhra Pradesh in two months’ time”.
“We’ll roll out the red carpet for him and the team, and provide every support needed to win the Ranji Trophy the next time around,” the TDP scion had said on X, adding #WeStandWithHanuma.
Vihari returned to Andhra cricket after meeting Lokesh, also the IT and human resources minister in the state, days after the regime changed in June last year.
While claiming “Lokesh assured full support”, Vihari in a video message had cheerfully said it feels “good to be back in Andhra Cricket”.
“I look forward to the success of Andhra Cricket. I want to be part of it,” said Vihari, best known for his gallant defence at SCG against Australia in 2021 and series-topping 289 runs against the West Indies in 2019.
Notably, Vihari met with Lokesh last month too, as revealed by the cricketer himself on X with a picture.
Vihari as captain of Amaravathi Royals in the Andhra Premier League 2025 was crowned player of the tournament last weekend as he scored 299 runs with an average of 59.80 and 148 strike rate. The Amaravati Royals, however, lost to the Tungabhadra Warriors in the finals.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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