HYDERABAD: Fearing that the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA)-Visaka Industries issue could affect their prospects in the forthcoming elections to the cricket body, the good governance panel members tried to distance themselves from political parties or individuals.
“We are not affiliated or backed by any political party nor by any individual. We are members of the HCA, who have come together to fight this election and clean up the mess of the past few years,” Dr K Anil Kumar, who is contesting for the post of president, said on Tuesday.
One of the contestants also made it clear that the panel will not bow to the diktat of the Visaka Industries and will try to protect the interests of the HCA against the claims of Dr G Vivekananda’s company.
Kumar said that the panel has a two-point agenda namely development of cricket not only in the city but also in the rural areas of Telangana and restoring the respect due to the club secretaries.
“Cricket and club members are the two eyes of the association. Unfortunately, both eyes have been damaged in the last few years. Cricket has taken a back seat in the association. We are keen on getting things back on track,” he said.
Kumar also promised to decentralise the administration. “Power is being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals in the Apex Council. Our goal is to involve more club secretaries in the management of the association. We will assign responsibilities to 40-50 secretaries and use their expertise in the smooth running of the HCA. We have a lot of talented people who are passionate about the game. Unfortunately, their services are not being utilised,” he added.
“Cricket in Telangana districts has suffered for the last four decades or so. The district associations have not been getting funds in the last 15 years. We want to focus on rural cricket and build infrastructure in all the districts,” said Agam Rao, who is contesting as secretary, and added, “We don’t want to become owners but be the custodians of the game. In that direction, we want to take one and all along with us and develop cricket in the state.”
Good governance panel: President: Dr K Anil Kumar. Vice-president: Daljeet Singh. Secretary: V Agam Rao. Joint secretary: T Basavaraj. Treasurer: P Mahendra. Councillor: Vinod Ingle.
Salient points of the manifesto:
1. HCA club/institution/district members will be given due respect, and their experience will be utilised whereever necessary.
2. Will conduct 10 times more tournaments and leagues across the state.
3. Will set up a full-fledged cricket academy with rehabilitation facilities.
4. Will work closely with the government to renew the present lease period of the RGIC Stadium and also build mini cricket stadiums in all districts.
5. Appoint a dedicated Officer on Special Duty to cater to the needs of the club secretaries.
6. Organise the Telangana Premier League to provide players with an opportunity to excel on a larger stage.
7. Develop a club house which will serve as a hub for various cricket and social activities.
