NEW DELHI: Hanuma Vihari, the Indian all-rounder, has decided to continue representing Andhra after receiving assurances from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the state's ruling party, that his concerns with the state association would be resolved.
The 30-year-old had previously stated in February that he would "never play for Andhra again" due to a loss of "self-respect" after being pressured to step down as the team's captain.
In March, PTI reported that the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) had issued Vihari a show-cause notice following his allegations that the governing body had unceremoniously removed him from his captaincy role. Shortly after Vihari announced his intention to leave Andhra, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) approached him.
Earlier this month, the ACA granted Vihari a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), but he had a change of heart, which left the MPCA disappointed. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Vihari met with TDP officials on Monday before confirming his decision to continue playing for Andhra.
"I'm so happy to meet minister Nara Lokesh gaaru (TDP general secretary) today, and he assured me that I will have full support coming back to Andhra Cricket Association," he said.
"I am so happy meeting him, and I have got full assurance after meeting him. I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association.
"It's good to be back in Andhra cricket. What I faced in the last couple of years was a lot of humiliation. I lost my self-respect.
"I wanted to leave Andhra Cricket Association and move to another state, but I've now got the assurance. So, I am looking forward to coming back and serving Andhra for a long time to come."
Vihari, aged 30, has represented India in 16 Test matches. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 839 runs across 28 innings, maintaining an average of 33.56. His impressive performances include one century and five half-centuries.
