Development of cricket in districts: Time for decisive action

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) needs to address the growing issue of cricket development in districts. By expanding affiliation to clubs, introducing women’s leagues, and reforming the selection process, the HCA can create a more inclusive and competitive system

By Vijay Mohan Raj

Hyderabad: There has been much discussion on the development of cricket in the districts. However, it remains largely rhetoric, with no decisive action. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) can easily address this by inviting affiliation from clubs and institutions within the jurisdiction assigned by the Constitution of HCA.

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Re-affiliation of existing clubs should also be encouraged, based on criteria that they possess the infrastructure to conduct league matches and tournaments held annually.

The availability of cricket infrastructure in and around Hyderabad has mushroomed over the past decade. There are now at least fifty to a hundred cricket pitches where corporate and private tournaments are being conducted, which are not under the control of the association. According to the norms, this is illegal, to the extent that there was once a diktat preventing participants in these tournaments from taking part in official leagues or tournaments.

These corporate and private clubs should be brought under the umbrella of the HCA.

Women’s cricket has evolved globally to the point where the discrimination against the men’s game is being erased. However, the HCA does not have a women’s league or tournament. This is because the current clubs do not have the inclination to move in that direction.

It would be ideal to open affiliation to those clubs that can participate in the women’s league. A separate league and tournament for women is an immediate requirement.

Consequently, affiliation should be opened for clubs directly with the HCA, provided they meet the criteria for both men and women from the districts. This will ensure participation from all areas of Telangana and Hyderabad, for both men and women.

The ongoing debate revolves around the selection of state teams and the neglect of talent from the districts.

As there is inadequate participation from the districts in city-based competitions, where is the data available for selectors to enrol players, both men and women, in different levels of state teams?

I suspect there is resistance from the current members to bring about any dilution of the powers that allow them to dictate terms and control the association.

It is imperative to have an extra-constitutional body in place to reform the association.

The current members are most likely to resist the suggested reforms, which aim to make the game inclusive for all concerned.

Let us move forward and evolve our narrow-minded thinking to meet the current requirements.

(The author is a former Ranji Trophy Player, Mumbai and Hyderabad)