Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has returned to the centre of Hyderabad cricket after being appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), in a move that could mark a significant turning point for the state association.
The HCA confirmed that Rayudu will oversee cricketing activities, development programmes and operational systems as the association looks to modernise its cricket structure and rebuild confidence around player welfare and governance.
“His vast experience as an international cricketer is expected to bring professional insight and inspire the next generation of Hyderabad cricketers,” the HCA said in a statement.
Rayudu’s appointment is particularly notable given his previous criticism of the HCA during his playing career, when he alleged corruption and politicisation within the system before leaving Hyderabad domestic cricket in 2019.
Now, the former Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians star is returning in an administrative leadership role with a mandate focused heavily on reform, transparency and player development.
Rayudu targets “corruption-free cricket” at HCA
Rayudu announced his new role with the HCA in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am very happy to announce that I have been appointed as the Head of cricketing operations for HCA by Justice P Naveen Rao, M Jeevan Reddy (Secretary HCA) and the apex council. It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things, but I am more excited to see the immense cricketing talent in Hyderabad and Telangana flourish and produce more players to represent the country,” Rayudu wrote on X
Speaking at the media conference following his appointment, Rayudu made it clear that governance reform and player welfare would be central to his vision for Hyderabad cricket.
“My first priorities after joining here are corruption-free cricket and zero tolerance towards corruption. Our first and most fundamental commitment is to make cricket corruption-free,” Rayudu said.
“No exceptions – anyone found guilty will be reported to the ACSU and the BCCI and will be blacklisted. Be it a player, a parent, a selector or an umpire – each and every one. This committee will ensure that selectors are also free from corruption.”
The comments are likely to resonate strongly within Indian domestic cricket circles, where transparency in selection processes and administration has increasingly become a major talking point.
Rayudu also stressed the importance of separating cricket operations from broader administration and ensuring decision-making remains focused on players and performance.
“I’m a firm believer that cricket should be separated from administration and all other administrative matters. Cricket should be run with players in mind. So, it is my job to look after players’ welfare and to make Hyderabad what it truly deserves to be – a powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket, one that produces a number of international cricketers,” Rayudu said.
Player contracts and development plans in focus
One of the key initiatives under consideration is the introduction of a structured player contract system similar to the model recently implemented by the Mumbai Cricket Association.
“Among the things in the pipeline is a player contract system, which will eventually be proposed to the secretary as well as the association – something the Mumbai Cricket Association has announced recently. That is something we are really looking to implement.”
The introduction of domestic contracts could become a major development for Hyderabad cricket, particularly in improving player security, retention and long-term development pathways.
Full-circle moment after previous HCA fallout
Rayudu’s return represents a full-circle moment in a career that has had a complicated relationship with Hyderabad cricket.
After debuting for Hyderabad as a teenager in the 2001-02 season, Rayudu had multiple spells away from the state side, including stints with Andhra and later Baroda. His final departure from Hyderabad came after his public criticism of the HCA in 2019, when he accused the system of “rampant corruption” and interference in selections.
Despite those disputes, Rayudu remains one of the most accomplished cricketers produced by Hyderabad in the modern era.
The 40-year-old represented India in 55 ODIs and six T20Is, while also building an outstanding domestic and franchise career. He won six IPL titles — three each with the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings — and later featured in overseas leagues including the CPL and ILT20 following his retirement from Indian cricket.
Now, Rayudu’s focus shifts from performances on the field to rebuilding Hyderabad’s cricket structure from within.
“I am here to serve cricket. I am here to serve our players, most importantly. And I am here to take Hyderabad cricket to where it truly belongs,” Rayudu concluded.
