The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : HCA announces cash bonanza for cricketers

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

HCA announces cash bonanza for cricketers

V. V. Subrahmanyam

Incentive as part of platinum jubilee celebrations

Rs. 3 lakh each for members of Hyderabad squad which won Ranji Trophy in 1986-87
All Ranji Trophy cricketers who retired before 2004 will also be given Rs. 1 lakh each

HYDERABAD: It is bonanza time for those all those Ranji Trophy cricketers who gave their heart out for the cause of Hyderabad cricket.

Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary N. Shivlal Yadav told The Hindu that each member of the Hyderabad squad which won the Ranji Trophy in 1986-87 will be given a cash incentive of Rs. 3 lakh as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of HCA to be held on April 14 in the city.

Well, for someone who knew how difficult was it for the players of yesteryears on the financial front, Mr. Shivlal also announced that all those Ranji cricketers who retired before 2004 will also be given Rs. 1 lakh each. “This is a token gesture of appreciation for these players who should not feel dejected when they look back at their career now,” says Mr. Shivlal, who is also the BCCI vice-president.

Clubs too

It is not just the cricketers who will be rewarded. Each affiliated club will be given Rs. 1 lakh to mark the celebrations of 75 years of existence of HCA.

Backbone of the game

“How can we forget the clubs which have been the backbone of the game in and around Hyderabad? They do deserve some appreciation,” pointed out the HCA secretary.

BMW for Laxman

And, if ‘Very Very Special’ Laxman is feeling slighted at not being felicitated till now by the HCA even after becoming the first-ever Hyderabadi to play in more than 100 Tests, then he has every reason to change his opinion on the top brass of HCA.

For, both HCA and Andhra Cricket Association secretary V. Chamundeswaranath will jointly present a brand new BMW car when he will be felicitated during the celebrations. Interestingly, the entire celebrations will be a one-day affair with the HCA trying its best to see that one of the inaugural matches of the Indian Premier League will be held on April 14 to give greater significance to the whole event.

“Anyhow, this is purely a Hyderabad Cricket Association’s show and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not involved in any way,” points out Mr. Shivlal Yadav

Special invitees

However, Union Minister and former president of BCCI Sharad Pawar and current BCCI chief Shashank Manohar will be the special invitees. These decisions will be put forward before the executive committee for approval.

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