After a lull, cricket leagues in Guntur District have signed up for the launch of Bharath-Boda Guntur District Cricket League which got under way at JKC College Cricket Grounds and ACA Grounds at Perecharla.
Guntur District Cricket Association president J. Murali Mohan inaugurated the league named after Bharath Singh Naik and Boda Nageswara Rao, two of the finest cricketers from the district, here on Tuesday.
Paying rich tributes to Bharath and Boda, director of cricket operations, Andhra Cricket Association, M.S.K. Prasad said that Bharath had been a phenomenal cricketer since his U-15 years and won rare appreciation from the likes of former test captain Rahul Dravid. He notched up a string of successful scores in Ranji Matches helping Andhra Team and had been a superb batsman playing on all kinds of pitches.
Boda Nageswara Rao had been the finest left arm spinner, Mr. Prasad said adding that it was a challenge to keep wickets to him.
Mr. Murali Mohan said that the Guntur District Cricket League was revived after a gap of a few years and expressed the hope that it would give an opportunity for budding players. The JKC College Cricket Grounds at ACA Women Academy would soon have new sight screens, change room facility for referees and a swimming pool.
Secretary of association Anand Kiron, vice-president Sunil Ratna Kumar and media relations manager, ACA C.R. Mohan were present.
In the opening match, Guntur Recreation Club had an easy outing against Guntur District — B team winning by 178 runs.
Put into bat, GRC piled up 295 runs in 45 overs with Y. Harsh Vardhan Naidu top scoring with 68 runs. B. Sumanth scored 60 runs and M.S.K. Prasad chipped in with 26 runs.
In reply, Guntur district team were bundled out for just 117 runs in 33 overs. K. Nageswara Rao took four wickers, Sarath and Amanulla picked up two wickets apiece.
