As per the Andhra Cricket Association, cricketers were forced to sign the Letter of Support that was shared by Hanuma Vihari on his social media account. Vihari lashed out at the state body, alleging mistreatment and political interference and vowed not to play for the association again.
Andhra cricketers were forced to sign the ‘Letter of Support’ that Hanuma Vihari had shared on his social media handles, Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) said on Tuesday, sharing letters from players. On Monday, Vihari lashed out at the Andhra cricket board after he was asked to step down as the captain of the team.
Vihari claimed he was subject to mistreatment by the board and alleged political interference after Andhra failed to go through to the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024 following a 4-run loss to Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
Vihari said that the Andhra board asked him to resign after cricketer Prudhvi Raj KN’s father, also a politician, complained to the state association that the India cricketer verbally abused his son, who was the 17th player in their squad. Vihari also said that he would never play for Andhra, adding he felt humiliated by the board’s treatment.
However, the ACA said that signatures of players calling for Vihari’s reinstation as captain were obtained under duress. The state body also said several players and members of the support staff brought to the notice of ACA about issues with Vihari’s conduct in the past.
The following are Andhra Cricket Association’s claims and copies of letters to support them, accessed by India Today.
He 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.
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.