The Andhra Cricket Association has initiated a probe against Hanuma Vihari who accused the the association of forcing him to resign as the captain at the start of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Andhra bowed out of the tournament losing to Madhya Pradesh in the quarter-final on Monday, February 26.
Following the loss, Hanuma Vihari released a statement vowing that he would never play for the Andhra again due to ”mistreatment” by the state association. He revealed that he was forced to resign after a player, whose father is a politician complained about him falsely to the association. Andhra Cricket Association released a statement following Hanuma Vihari’s accusations.
“Addressing the reported issue, it has come to our attention that Mr Vihari personally verbally abused a specific player during the Bengal Ranji game in front of everyone. The affected player filed an official complaint with ACA,” Andhra Cricket Association said in their statement.
“In January 2024, following the first Ranji Trophy game, an email from the Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee proposed a new captain due to Vihari’s status as an Indian prospect affecting his season-long availability. Vihari, in response, expressed appreciation for the decision, leading to Ricky Bhui being announced as the new captain by the senior selection committee.”
“Complaints were received from teammates, support staff, and ACA administrators about Vihari’s use of foul language and abusive behaviour,” they added.
Keep trying!! 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Wggq0cFisU
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 26, 2024
Prudhvi Raj reacts to Hanuma Vihari’s allegations
Andhra cricketer Prudhvi Raj, who has been accused by Hanuma Vihari of falsely complaining to the Andhra Cricket Association about his behaviour, has responded to the allegations. He expressed that they are false, and alleged that Vihari used derogatory language against him. Prudhvi Raj wrote,
“Hello everyone I’m that guy, you guys are searching in the comment box, whatever you guys heard is absolutely false, no one is higher than the game and my self respect is much more bigger than anything, personal attacks and vulgar language is unacceptable in any kind of human platform. Everyone in the team knows what happened that day, Nuvu inthaku minchi emmi pikkulevu mr so called champion. Play this sympathy games however you want.”
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