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Ambati Rayudu Named Hyderabad Cricket Association’s Director of Cricket Operations

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations for the Hyderabad Cricket Association. The three-year term begins immediately, with Rayudu tasked with strengthening cricket development in the region. Rayudu previously alleged corruption at HCA in 2019, leading to his departure. He brings vast experience from international cricket and six IPL titles.

Key Points: Ambati Rayudu Appointed HCA Director of Cricket Operations

  • Ambati Rayudu appointed HCA Director of Cricket Operations
  • Three-year term starts immediately
  • Rayudu aims to develop talent and address past issues
  • Previously alleged corruption at HCA in 2019
  • Won six IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings
2 min read

Ambati Rayudu appointed HCA's director of cricket operations

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu takes over as HCA's Director of Cricket Operations on a three-year term, aiming to develop local talent.

"It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things but I am more excited to see the immense cricketing talent in Hyderabad and Telangana flourish - Ambati Rayudu"

Hyderabad, May 6

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations for the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

The announcement was made on Monday, as the HCA looks to strengthen its leadership and enhance the development of cricket in the region. Rayudu's three-year term starts immediately.

Rayudu, who has had a distinguished career in domestic cricket and has represented India in limited-overs formats, will play a key role in shaping the future of cricket in Hyderabad.

With his vast experience in international cricket and a deep understanding of the demands of modern-day cricket, Rayudu's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the HCA's operations.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rayudu expressed his excitement about the new role.

"I am very happy to announce that I have been appointed as the Head of cricketing operations for HCA. by Justice P Naveen Rao(SMC) , M Jeevan reddy (Secretary HCA) and the apex council. It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things but I am more excited to see the immense cricketing talent in Hyderabad and Telangana flourish and produce more players to represent the country," Rayudu wrote.

Rayudu's new role will close a chapter that took center stage in 2019 when he alleged "rampant corruption" at the HCA. At the time, Rayudu had said decisions at the HCA politicised team selections.

After that incident, Rayudu left Hyderabad in the 2019-20 season and finished his domestic career with stints at Andhra and Baroda, according to ESPNcricinfo.

That was not the first time he had left Hyderabad for other teams--after debuting in 2001-02 as a 16-year-old, he moved to Andhra for one season in 2005-06 before returning to Hyderabad in 2006-07.

That second Hyderabad stint lasted till 2009-10. Rayudu's third and final time with Hyderabad as a player was between 2017-18 and 2019-20.

Rayudu has featured in 55 ODIs, six T20Is, and 97 first-class matches during his career. Additionally, he has won six Indian Premier League titles, with three each for the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. Following his retirement from Indian cricket, Rayudu also participated in the CPL and ILT20 leagues in 2023 and 2024.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rayudu was right to call out corruption in HCA back in 2019, and now it's interesting to see him come back as director. Hope the "clean up" he mentioned actually happens. Hyderabad has produced gems like VVS Laxman and we need more of that.
S
Siddharth J
Finally some good news from HCA! Rayudu may not have had the long international career he deserved, but his domestic and IPL titles speak volumes. He should focus on scouting talent from smaller towns in Telangana, not just Hyderabad city. 😊
P
Priya S
I'm cautiously optimistic. Rayudu has the credentials, but administration is different from playing. He needs to bring in a good support team for player development. Also, let's not forget the 2019 allegations—real change has to happen now. 👀
V
Vikram M
Rayudu's appointment is a step in the right direction, but I'm skeptical about how much power he'll actually have to clean things up. Corruption in Indian cricket associations is deep-rooted. Let's see if he can make a difference this time around.
K
Kavya N
Happy for Rayudu! He's a fighter and has always pushed through challenges. His experience in various domestic teams (Andhra, Baroda) will help him understand what players need at different stages. Hope he also focuses on women's cricket development in Hyderabad! 💪

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