Players Signed Letter Supporting Hanuma Vihari Under Threat, Alleges ACA

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has claimed that the letter by players supporting Hanuma Vihari was signed under duress. The veteran India cricketer made allegations against the association recently, accusing them of forcing him to resign as captain due to political interference.

Hanuma Vihari expressed that he was asked to quit captaincy after he shouted at KN Prudhvi Raj, who was the 17th player in the squad and a politician’s son, during the first game against Bengal. He also shared a letter signed by the Andhra players requesting the association to reappoint Vihari as the captain. However, the saga has taken a new turn, as the ACA has alleged that the players signed the letter under threat.

“Hanuma Vihari has alleged that despite all the players in the team supporting him to continue as the captain, he was removed. In this regard, the concerned players have complained to the Andhra Cricket Association against Vihari. Some players have complained to the Andhra Cricket Association that they were forced to sign under threats. Andhra Cricket Association will thoroughly investigate all the complaints received and report the facts to the BCCI,” stated in letters shared by the ACA with India Today.

“He (Vihari) asked the Andhra Cricket Association to continue on behalf of Andhra, apologising for being emotional and frustrated for not being selected in the Indian team, as he was not given the NOC,” another point added.

There was a class difference in the team: ACA

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) further alleged that Hanuma Vihari’s behaviour led to class differences in their team. They also denied claims that the veteran batter was asked to resign due to political pressure. They added that the selection committee had proposed a new captain, following complaints from the players.

“Moreover, players had previously complained to the Andhra Team Managers Association that Vihari used foul language and misbehaved with fellow players during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. It was stated that due to the behaviour of Hanuma Vihari, there was a class difference in the team,” ACA said.

“In January 2024, after the first Ranji Trophy match, ACA Senior Selection Committee Chairman, Vasireddy Chandramouli Prasad Chaudhary, sent an e-mail to the Andhra Cricket Association, proposing a new captain following complaints about Vihari’s form.”

“In response to this, Vihari also sent a mail to Andhra Cricket Association saying that he will abide by the decision taken by the selection committee one hundred per cent. Andhra Cricket Association did not interfere in this matter. The decision-making authority is entirely taken by the selection committee,” ACA stated.