Hyderabad: After sacking the entire support staff a day after taking charge, the semi-formed Apex Council of the Hyderabad Cricket Association has appointed former international players VVS Laxman, S. L. Venkatpathy Raju and Purnima Rau on the HCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee. “Pursuant to the decision taken in the Apex Council Meeting of the Hyderabad Cricket Association in its meeting held on 12th April 2017, we have requested Mr. VVS Laxman, Mr. S L Venkata Pathi Raju and Ms. Purnima Rau to be part of the Cricket Advisory Committee of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.
They have been gracious enough to have immediately given their acceptance to be part of the said Committee which will provide valuable guidance and suitable recommendations to the Apex Council for furthering the cause of the Hyderabad Cricket,” a press statement signed by secretary T. Shesh Narayan and released on Monday read. The HCA also released prepared statements on behalf of the former players. Mr. VVS Laxman, said - “I am very happy to be a part of this Committee which is a right step to strengthen and shape the future of Hyderabad Cricket.”
Mr. S L Venkata Pathi Raju (sic), said – “Indeed, it is our privilege to assist the recently formed Apex Council in Cricket matters and I sincerely hope that we collectively work to regain the old glory of the Hyderabad Cricket. Ms. Purnima Rao, said — “By including me as a part of the Advisory Committee it is very obvious that Women’s Cricket is a priority for the newly formed Apex Council and I will extend all support and promote the cause of Women’s Cricket in Telangana,” the release read.
All three wear different hats in cricket circles at the national as well as continental level. However, the speed at which the officials are taking decisions is a cause for consternation, for the Apex Council itself is yet to be fully formed. Three slots — players representative (male), players representative (female) and a nominee of the Comptroller & Auditor General’s office — are yet to be filled in on the nine-member Council.
It remains to be seen when these would be filled up. Elections to the HCA were held on January 17, after which it was clear that Shesh and his team would occupy the HCA hot seats before the counting process got caught up in court proceedings. The anticipated results were finally declared on March 31 after a High Court order. The body took charge on April 1, and promptly wielded the axe.
On April 2, they sacked the support staff. “In the Apex Council Meeting held on 2nd April 2017, it has been decided to review the requirement of services of all the Support Staff viz., Coaches/Physiotherapists/Trainers etc. rendering their services for both the Men and Women Cricket Teams/HCAE (Academy) of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Hence, it has been decided to dispense with their services with effect from 1st April 2017," they announced in a prepared statement.
