HCA to take action against Ambati Rayudu for claims of corruption

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is all set to take action against Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu. The discarded national batsman has found himself in the stranglehold of a controversial scenario yet another time. A few days ago, he dropped a tweet, addressed to KT Rama Rao, Telangana’s Minister for Industry and Municipal Administration, on Sunday.

In his message, Rayudu claimed of ‘rampant corruption’ prevalent in HCA. Rayudu said that the cricket team is influenced by money and corrupt people. After his claims, Mohammad Azharuddin, the president of the HCA, and a former Indian cricketer, opened up, calling Rayudu ‘a frustrated cricketer’. The HCA will now take legal action against Rayudu for his stern words.

“We will be taking action against Rayudu for bringing the HCA into disrepute. We will be going by the rule book and will follow all the procedures given in the byelaws. As a first step, the CEO will be asked to inquire into the matter and the Apex Council will take necessary action after the report is submitted,” HCA secretary R Vijayanand was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

Former cricketers back Ambati Rayudu

However, Rayudu has gotten support from a number of former Hyderabad cricketers and board officials as well. Kawaljeet Singh, a former Hyderabad off-spinner, said that Rayudu hasn’t made a mistake. He reckons that instead of punishing Rayudu, the HCA should look into the matter.

“Why should he be punished. What wrong has he done? Is he involved in any corruption? He has just spoken his heart out and the officials should listen to what he says instead of trying to browbeat him,” Kawaljeet mentioned.

S Venkateswaran, the former HCA interim secretary, mentioned that it won’t be fair to punish Rayudu for opening up. “Everyone knows about the level of corruption in selection matters. Things have been really bad since year as there are a lot of complaints from parents and players. Money has taken precedence over talent,” Venkateswaran stated.

Ambati Rayudu has been hogging the headlines ever since his World Cup 2019 snub. Rayudu last played for Team India back in March against Australia and at the age of 34, it’s highly unlikely that he will again get to don the national jersey.

[interaction id=”5dcd637bd42ed3f7503f9729″]