Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu took charge as the Head of Cricket Operations for Hyderabad Cricket Association on May 5. His tenure will start immediately with the contract set to be for three years initially. Ambati Rayudu did not shy away from addressing deeper concerns, identifying the elimination of corruption as an immediate priority. Rayudu also laid out plans to establish a centre of excellence inspired by the one in Bengaluru. He will also be responsible for a structural overhaul and transparency and fairness in selection across all age group cricket.

Focus on players welfare, cites example from MCA

Speaking to Sportstar, Ambati Rayudu said “I’m a firm believer that cricket should be separated from administration and all the other related matters. Cricket should be run with players being the priority, and my job is to look after players’ welfare and make Hyderabad a powerhouse of domestic cricket," he said.

Rayudu also cited the example of Mumbai Cricket Association and how the player contract system has helped them and the focus will be on trying to create a similar model. “A player contract system, like what the Mumbai Cricket Association recently announced, is in the pipeline. We will modernise and professionalise our cricketing operations, which will be automated to avoid human interference.”

Rayudu expresses pleasure over his role from his official X account

Rayudu also took to his official X account to express pleasure over his administrative role. He said he wanted to streamline certain aspects of the system across all age groups. Read his tweet here.

“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," Rayudu posted on X. Hyderabad Cricket Association also announced that Retd. Justice Pingle Vijender will head a newly formed four-member Anti-Corruption & Security Unit, alongside the rollout of a user-friendly grievance redressal system.

Rayudu has represented India in 58 ODI matches and 6 T20Is. He has been a star player in the domestic circuit over so many years. He is currently involved in the Indian Premier League as a commentator.