What are former Andhra Ranji skippers V. Vijayasaradhy, Syed Shahabuddin and defunct Deccan Chargers medium pacer Kalyan Krishna doing with Vijayawada’s Everest Cricket Club? They were hired by the club to play and add the all-important edge to the ongoing Power League organised by the Krishna District Cricket Association (KDCA).
For the first time in the history of Vijayawada cricket, professionals are being hired by clubs, and leading the teams is Everest CC, which has gone ahead, roping in the best of players.
The concept of hiring players took shape after KDCA joint secretary K. Ravi Shankar took over as the convenor of the Power League. “Imagine a budding cricketer playing with Kalyan Krishna, who played with veterans like Adam Gilchrest, Andrew Symonds and V.V.S. Laxman. “The experience will help the youngster hone his skills,” Mr. Shankar adds. The professionals are housed in best of hotels and were also paid handsomely.
Teams like Friends CC, Royal CC and VVKR XI have also gone ahead and signed professional players to improve the standards of the game. “Five outsiders are eligible to play for each team. The right mix of locals and professionals will give the league the competitive edge,” says Narra Mahesh Krishna, sponsor of Everest CC.
This Hyderabad-based entrepreneur has already spent a few lakhs, and he is confident the concept will refurbish the image of city cricket. “With two playfields coming up at Mullapadu, we can look forward to quality cricket in future.” For the first time, lunch is provided to teams playing the league.
Visakhapatnam will always be known for organising leagues in a proper manner, and it has been in the forefront in all Andhra Cricket Association-affiliated districts in thinking out of the box while hosting various tournaments.
The role of late ACA administrator R.V.V.K. Prasad was lauded as he used to house the professionals on the premises of his theatre – Leela Mahal in Daba Gardens.
Even before professionalism was introduced in ACA, Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association encouraged outsiders to play in local leagues to improve standards.
“Players like Noor Mohammad, Fayaz and Ram Kishen played in local league as guest players from other districts before playing first class cricket. We want Vijayawada to sail in the same direction,” says V. Girish a former Andhra junior cricketers.
