Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as the mentor for all cricketing activities of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), marking a significant step in the association's efforts to strengthen cricket development across Telangana. Jaffer will begin his new role in July on a two-year contract, during which he will mentor players across all age groups and is also expected to travel with Hyderabad teams during major domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy.
The announcement was made by HCA Governing Council chairman Ambati Rayudu, who described Jaffer's appointment as part of a broader vision to improve the state's cricketing structure. Widely regarded as one of India's finest domestic batters, Jaffer scored more than 19,000 first-class runs and remains the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history.
His vast experience as a player and coach is expected to benefit Hyderabad's next generation of cricketers. Alongside Jaffer's appointment, the HCA also unveiled plans to establish district cricket academies across all 10 undivided districts of Telangana. Four of these academies will be developed as Centres of Excellence in Zaheerabad, Suryapet, Jagtial and Nagarkurnool, with infrastructure built to BCCI standards. According to the HCA, these facilities are expected to become operational within the next 18 months and will help identify and nurture young talent from across the state. Jaffer's arrival is expected to provide valuable guidance to Hyderabad's cricketers as the association looks to build a stronger domestic cricket ecosystem and produce more players capable of succeeding at the national level.
BREAKING 🚨 Wasim Jaffer has been appointed mentor of the Hyderabad team, and will oversee the side for the next two years. His appointment is understood to have been driven by Ambati Rayudu, who was recently appointed Director of Cricket by the HCA. pic.twitter.com/Dd4JlQe1nC
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) June 29, 2026
Hyderabad Cricket Association unveils expanded domestic calendar for 2026-27 season
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has unveiled an ambitious domestic cricket calendar for the 2026-27 season, aiming to provide more competitive opportunities for players across all divisions and age groups. The season officially began in April 2026 and features a comprehensive schedule of league matches, knockout tournaments and selection events spread across the year.According to the HCA's season plan, the domestic calendar includes A, B, C and D Division leagues, institutional tournaments, one-day competitions, two-day matches and age-group events. The association has also streamlined player registration and club participation to ensure the smooth conduct of the season.
More than 1,500 players representing 85 teams are expected to compete on 43 grounds across Telangana, making it one of the largest domestic cricket programmes organised by the HCA. The expanded schedule is designed to strengthen Hyderabad's cricket structure by giving players regular match practice and a clear pathway to state selection. Open trials for unregistered players, district-level competitions and selection tournaments have also been included to widen the talent pool and identify promising cricketers from across the state.
The HCA believes the revamped domestic calendar will improve the overall standard of cricket in Telangana while preparing players for national tournaments organised by the BCCI. With a packed season featuring multiple formats and competitions, Hyderabad's cricketers will have greater opportunities to showcase their skills and progress through the domestic ranks.
