Veteran India cricketer Hanuma Vihari has confirmed that the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has finally issued his Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) after two months, paving the way for his departure from the state team. The rift between Vihari and ACA has been brewing for months, culminating in a series of contentious incidents that have now come to light.
The dispute began when Vihari was asked to relinquish his captaincy duties after an altercation with Prudhvi Raj KN, the team’s 17th player and the son of a prominent Andhra Pradesh politician. The incident, which reportedly involved Vihari shouting at Raj, led to significant internal discord and placed the veteran cricketer at odds with the ACA.
“I have been asking for NOC from 2 months, mailed them 4 times. Didn’t give my NOC. Now that things have turned, they’ve issued my NOC immediately. lol,” Vihari wrote. In a revealing Instagram post, Vihari recounted the tensions within the team, particularly following Andhra’s quarterfinal defeat to Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Vihari expressed his frustration and disappointment with the ACA, accusing the board of humiliating him and mishandling the situation. “I have always given my best for Andhra cricket, but the treatment I have received from the association is unacceptable,” Vihari wrote. “I can no longer continue to play under such conditions.”
Following his social media outburst, the ACA served Vihari with a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation for his public comments. In response, Vihari applied for a Non-Objection Certificate, signalling his intent to part ways with the state team. The ACA’s decision to grant the NOC suggests an acknowledgment of the irreparable breakdown in their relationship with the cricketer.
Vihari’s departure marks a significant blow to Andhra cricket. As a seasoned player with international experience, his leadership and skill have been pivotal to the team’s recent successes. However, the controversy surrounding his exit has highlighted deeper issues within the ACA, particularly regarding the influence of political connections and the handling of player grievances.
