Cricket

Hanuma Vihari, the out-of-favor India Test batter, is set to make a sensational return to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) after publicly declaring earlier this year that he would "never play for Andhra again." This U-turn comes after Vihari received assurances of full support from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the state's new ruling party.Vihari's decision to rejoin ACA follows a lengthy public spat with the association after the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign. He had alleged "political interference" and "humiliation" as reasons for stepping down as captain at the start of the season. However, after meetings with TDP officials, Vihari has confirmed his return."I'm so happy to meet minister Nara Lokesh gaaru today, and he assured me that I will have full support coming back to Andhra Cricket Association," Vihari told reporters. "I am so happy meeting him, and I have got full assurance after meeting him. I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association."Vihari's return to Andhra cricket has left the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) fuming. Vihari was in talks to play for Madhya Pradesh last year, but the move fell through. ESPNcricinfo understands that Vihari's contract as a professional with MPCA was a formality after he had held talks with Chandrakant Pandit, MPCA's director of cricket.Vihari, 30, has played 16 Tests for India, scoring 839 runs at an average of 33.56. He has also represented Hyderabad and Andhra in domestic cricket. His return to Andhra is expected to boost the team's chances in the upcoming domestic season.

Hanuma Vihari Secures NOC from Andhra Cricket Association After Bitter DisputeIndian Test batter Hanuma Vihari has finally obtained his no objection certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) after a protracted dispute with the state body. The NOC will allow Vihari to represent another state in domestic cricket from the 2024-25 season onwards.The conflict between Vihari and the ACA began in March when the association served him a show-cause notice after he publicly accused the governing body of unceremoniously removing him from captaincy. Vihari vowed not to play for the state again, citing a lack of respect and transparency.In a post on social media, Vihari revealed that he had been requesting the NOC for two months but had been met with resistance. However, following the recent victory of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state election, the ACA has issued the NOC immediately.In the NOC, ACA secretary Gopinath Reddy stated that the association has no objection to Vihari representing another BCCI-affiliated association as a player from the 2024-25 season onwards.Vihari, who has played 16 Tests for India, last represented the national team in 2022. He is expected to attract interest from several state associations, including Hyderabad, where he has previously played.The resolution of the dispute between Vihari and the ACA is a positive development for the player, who can now focus on his cricketing career without the distraction of off-field issues. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in state cricket associations.