My intent in writing this is not personal, but to expose the ongoing injustice faced by young cricketers across Telangana’s rural and semi-urban districts. Despite a decade since Telangana’s formation, our players continue to be treated as outsiders by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

The recent Under-19 and Under-23 selections have once again ignored talent from Telangana districts — a pattern that repeats year after year. This continues despite multiple court orders and even reminders from the BCCI to ensure fairness. Yet, HCA operates with complete disregard.

Talented youngsters from the hinterlands are systematically sidelined unless they have money or the right connections. Selection has become less about merit and more about influence. Parents have approached me and even the High Court, alleging bias and manipulation. One boy, who excelled in leagues and trials, wasn’t even included in the list of 30 probables.

What exactly is the HCA’s criteria for selection? How can final teams be named before full league tournaments are held? On what basis are probables shortlisted when the foundational leagues are incomplete or delayed?

Reports also point to serious issues — including age fraud — during selections. All of this, shockingly, is happening under the watch of the High Court-appointed Supervisory Committee. Judicial oversight, too, seems ineffective in reforming HCA’s conduct.

The problem runs deeper — Hyderabad cricket remains controlled by settlers from coastal Andhra who continue to dominate decision-making. Telangana's youth remain marginalized in their own state.

As Secretary of the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA), I have repeatedly urged the BCCI to grant us Associate Membership — even without voting rights for now. Our goal is simple: to give every aspiring cricketer in Telangana’s 33 districts a fair chance.

TCA has made real progress through grassroots tournaments, infrastructure development, and coaching. But recognition from the BCCI is critical. Our demand aligns with Supreme Court rulings advocating decentralization and democratization in cricket administration.

This is not about politics — it is about fairness. Telangana cricket deserves a level playing field. Our players have waited long enough. It’s time for the BCCI to act and stop allowing the dreams of Telangana’s youth to be crushed by an outdated and biased system.

— Dharam Guruva Reddy

Fresh allegations of age fraud rock HCA, Police complaint filed

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is once again under scrutiny following fresh allegations of age fraud in its junior cricket leagues.

A formal complaint has been lodged by Anant Reddy with the Rachakonda Commissioner of Police, alleging that several players in the Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23 categories have submitted forged birth certificates to illegitimately qualify for participation.

According to Reddy, the use of fake documents by overage players is denying genuine young athletes a fair chance to compete and develop in the sport. He expressed concern that such malpractice undermines the integrity of the game and the development of grassroots talent.

This is not the first time the issue has surfaced. In the past, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had identified and banned six players for similar violations. Despite this, Reddy alleges that the HCA has failed to implement effective measures to curb the problem, allowing it to persist.

The complaint also levels serious charges of corruption within the HCA, claiming that certain officials are favoring players with political connections or personal influence over more deserving candidates. Reddy has called on the Rachakonda Police to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those involved in the alleged wrongdoing.