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Hanuma Vihari had a fierce reaction to the Andhra Cricket Association’s (ACA) response after he had alleged that they removed him from the Andhra Ranji team’s captaincy in an unceremonious manner. In their press release, ACA spoke about conducting a thorough inquiry into all the complaints made against Hanuma Vihari by his teammates about his use of foul language and abusive behaviour.
Notably, the 30-year-old had revealed that the ACA had taken action against him after the first match of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, stripping him of the Andhra captaincy role due to political influence. Hanuma Vihari had shouted at the 17th man in KN Prudhviraj during the match against Bengal, which led to Andhra players complaining about him to his politician dad.
Following the completion of the Ranji Trophy season under Ricky Bhui’s captaincy for Andhra, Hanuma Vihari shared a letter signed by his teammates, who wanted him to lead them once again. In response to the allegations against the ACA, they issued a press release acknowledging his statements from the Indian cricketer.
The ACA said in their statement, “Addressing the reported issue, it has come to our attention that Mr Vihari personally verbally abused a specific player during the Bengal Ranji game in front of everyone. The affected player filed an official complaint with ACA.”
“In January 2024, following the first Ranji Trophy game, an email from the Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee proposed a new captain due to Vihari's status as an Indian prospect affecting his season-long availability. Vihari, in response, expressed appreciation for the decision, leading to Ricky Bhui being announced as the new captain by the senior selection committee,” the Andhra Cricket Association added.
“Complaints were received from teammates, support staff, and ACA administrators about Vihari’s use of foul language and abusive behaviour” before ACA concluded the statement by stating that they will “conduct a thorough inquiry into all the complaints and the due course of action will be communicated in the near future.”
