Saurabh Kumar moves to Andhra from Uttar Pradesh ahead of upcoming domestic season

Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar has confirmed his transfer from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh. The change has received the green signal from both the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), and is pending final approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The 32-year-old has been a known name in the domestic circuit for several years. The UP-born has so far picked 324 wickets in 79 first-class matches at an average of 26.45. His record also includes 25 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls. He made his debut in 2014 for Services before moving to Uttar Pradesh.

Saurabh has also been on the brink of and out of the Indian national team, having been included in squads for home and overseas tours, including series against England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Though he has not made his India debut yet.

"I am excited to play for Andhra. I am looking forward to the coming season. I hope to guide Andhra to the title at least in format and to the final of the Ranji Trophy," Saurabh told Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, the ACA officially approved the move during its Annual General Meeting in Vijayawada on June 8. A senior ACA official confirmed the transfer and revealed that a few formalities are still left. "The move has been approved, but a few formalities remain. We will be writing to Abey Kuruvilla for the BCCI's approval," said an ACA official

Notably, the transfer has the backing of Andhra’s senior players, including captain Ricky Bhui, Hanuma Vihari and KS Bharat. Meanwhile, Andhra had a mixed domestic season in 2024-25. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the side won five of six group-stage games, but they were knocked out in the preliminary quarterfinal by Uttar Pradesh. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), they managed four wins in seven games but failed to reach the knockouts. Their Ranji Trophy campaign saw only one win in seven matches, ending with 13 points.