Exclusive: ACA Reports Teammates Signing Letter to Support Hanuma Vihari Amid Threats

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has made a claim suggesting that cricketers from Andhra Pradesh were compelled to sign a "Letter of Support" for Hanuma Vihari under circumstances involving coercion or threats. This allegation indicates that there might have been undue pressure or intimidation tactics used to secure signatures in support of Vihari.

According to a report by India Today, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has alleged that teammates were coerced into signing a “Letter of Support” for Hanuma Vihari “under threat.” Vihari, previously, criticized the ACA for what he deemed as “mistreatment,” claiming he was pressured to resign from captaincy following the first match of the season. He further asserted that his removal stemmed from a confrontation with a teammate, who happened to be a politician’s son. Vihari shared his statement on social media along with his teammates’ signatures. However, the ACA refuted Vihari’s claims, asserting that the players were compelled to sign by the senior player.

In response to Vihari’s allegations, the ACA stated that despite unanimous support from the team to retain Vihari as captain, he was ousted. Furthermore, some players lodged complaints with the ACA, alleging they were coerced into signing the letter under duress. The ACA vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and present the findings to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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Vihari, in his defense, purportedly appealed to the ACA to allow him to continue representing Andhra Pradesh, expressing remorse for his emotional outburst and frustration over not being selected for the Indian team, which led to his lack of a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Additionally, the ACA accused Vihari of fostering a “class difference” within the team during his tenure as captain, with some players reportedly complaining about his behavior and use of offensive language. The ACA cited instances during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament where players allegedly raised concerns about Vihari’s conduct, leading to a perceived divide within the team.

Overall, the situation has escalated into a contentious dispute between Vihari and the ACA, with both parties presenting contrasting narratives regarding Vihari’s captaincy tenure and subsequent removal. As the ACA initiates an inquiry into the matter, the cricketing community awaits further developments and a resolution to the ongoing controversy.