The group had managed to win just one seat on the HCA’s 22-member committee
Former HCA president G. Vinod (from left), former BCCI president N. Shivlal Yadav, Indian women's cricket captain Mithali Raj, former Hyderabad Ranji cricketer M.V. Sridhar, international umpire C. Shamshuddin and former MP G. Vivekanand during a
Hyderabad: After being routed in the Hyderabad Cricket Association elections last year, the vanquished group on Wednesday regrouped for next year’s polls via a felicitation function held to honour three achievers from the state.
M.V. Sridhar, who has been named Tournament Director for the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in India next year; batswoman Mithali Raj, who completed 5,000 runs in international cricket and C. Shamshuddin, an Elite Panel umpire of the BCCI who has been elevated to the international panel were the ones feted for doing the state proud.
However, the strong political undercurrent was evident, with club secretaries and other votaries turning up in numbers at a function hall aptly called Jaya Gardens in what could be termed as show of support.
Then, there were the dignitaries — former BCCI president N. Shivlal Yadav, designated the chief guest, alongside G. Vinod and G. Vivekanand. Others present at the function included contestants who were beaten in the ballot along with M.V. Sridhar the last time around. The group had managed to win just one seat on the HCA’s 22-member committee. About four sitting members were also present.
Shivlal did not contest then though but provided enough evidence that he was a front-runner for the next edition. “I am speaking to the HCA fraternity after three years,” he said from the dais to a clutter of applause that broke through the rattle and hum in the air, emanating from a spirited gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Shivlal, Vinod and Vivek showered praises on Mithali, Sridhar and Shamshuddin for their respective achievements.
CAT & mouse game in Telangana
The Cricket Association of Telangana (CAT), staking claim to run cricket affairs in the state, added muscle to its body by unanimously electing a politically heavy set of office-bearers at their Annual General Meeting held in the city on Wednesday.
It has Congress colour in abundance with former ministers, MLAs and children of elected representatives filling up various posts. Former state minister Danam Nagender will head the team as its president while Sunil Babu Kolanpaka has been named the founder secretary.
CAT, formed in 2012, alleges the Hyderabad Cricket Association, which currents has jurisdiction in Telangana, has done precious little for development of the game in the districts and this is where they step in. "We have already applied to the Board of Control for Cricket in India for affiliation (in July 2014) and are hopeful of getting recognition," Sunil says.
"Even the BCCI is keen on taking the game to rural areas and should find us ideal to promote the cause," Sunil added.
This is the third cricket body to stake claim in the state. Late last month, the Telangana Cricket Association was launched with Finance Minister Eatala Rajender as its president. It had political bigwigs from the TRS and BJP as its office-bearers.
( Source : PTI )
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