Under Azhar, Hyderabad cricket plunges into darkness

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad’s performance under the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) presidency of ex-Indian captain Mohd Azharuddin continues to plummet, with four consecutive defeats in the Ranji Trophy marked by a low score of 79 (all out) and defeat in less than two days into the innings.

The reason for this, Deccan Chronicle found, was alleged corruption and
mismanagement of the association by Azharuddin, who has a history of doing so
accusations.

The current Hyderabad Ranji team has a squad of 23 members, with nine new ones
players making their debut. What is not clear is the selection process and
how new names keep popping up every season, only to quickly fade away.
There is no clear criterion for selecting a team for the four-day event
national tournament, as no three-day competitions were held
last year. Players have joined the team based solely on their T20 league
performances.

While the corruption allegations are supported by agencies such as the
recent arrest of the vice president of a league team by the anti-corruption
Bureau, youngsters from the Under-16 and Under-19 teams are apprehensive
exposing the wrongdoings, fearing for their careers.

Parents and guardians of four Hyderabad players told Deccan Chronicle
said they were asked to pay about Rs. 30 lakh for a spot in the
Hyderabad Ranji team but, despite the performance of their wards, lost to
players who did not even meet BCCI’s selection criteria. Despite this,
none of them were prepared to make an official complaint.

The Hyderabad Ranji team is currently with one at the bottom of the table
point in five games – with the point awarded as bad lighting led to a tie
with which Hyderabad faced certain defeat.

It is claimed that the increase in the number of cricket clubs to
over the age of 35, has led newcomers to make the switch to the three-day format
reportedly buying their place on the team.

Until ten years ago, 12 premium teams produced the best talent, which went later
to represent the team in the Ranji Trophy. However, newer entrants are
making the cut without relegations to the two-day competitions.

The “selling” of league teams to cricket academies is alleged
the main reason for blaming. Promising and deserving players, who can’t afford it
to pay, are lost for cricket, while those whose parents pay lakhs, the
cut.

While Azhar’s tenure as president of the HCA was awaited with a
promise to increase Hyderabad’s talent pool, he now takes the lions on his shoulders
share the blame for the alleged mismanagement of the local league
structure.

The HCA is dogged by numerous allegations of corruption and
mismanagement since Mohd Azharuddin took charge, with different factions
fight for control, the case goes to court and both parties claim that
be the legally correct administration. The irony hit sky high when even the
the appointment of an ombudsman ran into legal difficulties.

However, Azhar and his clique remain oblivious to allegations of corruption or
mismanagement, as evidenced by ticket sales mismanagement during a recent
T20 International game in the city, which led to a stampede and injuries.

Neither the BCCI nor the state government has taken any action. Officials
said a case has been filed and an investigation is underway.

Allegations made:

* Parents claim that corruption has increased since Azhar took over

* Rs. 15 lakh, up from Rs. 5 lakh, reportedly payable for selection to U-16, U-19
and U-25 squads

* Rs. 20-Rs.30 lakh would have to be paid to get selected for Hyderabad
Ranji team. This amount reportedly varies based on U-16 appearances to
U-25 levels.

* Currently, there are many players in the Ranji team who have not played
U-16, U-19 or U-25 cricket

* 25 first-class competitions and five years of experience – the BCCI’s criteria for
being a selector – are openly ignored by the HCA.

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