Ambati Rayudu named HCA cricket operations director after 2019 controversy

Ambati Rayudu has been appointed HCA's Director of Cricket Operations after alleging corruption in 2019.

Rayudu takes new HCA leadership role Ambati Rayudu has been named the Director of Cricket Operations at the Hyderabad Cricket Association, calling it a chance to fix issues and highlighting the cricketing potential in Hyderabad and Telangana. He expressed excitement about nurturing talent that could represent India in the future. "It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things," Rayudu wrote on X, "but I am more excited to see the immense cricketing talent in Hyderabad and Telangana flourish and produce more players to represent the country." ## 2019 corruption allegations and return Rayudu's appointment comes after he raised serious allegations of "rampant corruption" within the HCA in 2019, claiming political interference in team selections. At that time, he stepped away from Hyderabad mid-season and moved to Andhra and Baroda to conclude his domestic career. His return marks a notable comeback to cricket administration within the state. ## Rayudu's playing career milestones Ambati Rayudu's domestic career spanned multiple stints with Hyderabad, starting in 2001-02 as a teenager and leaving briefly for Andhra in 2005-06 before returning the following season. His final Hyderabad stint lasted from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Across his career, Rayudu featured in 55 ODIs, six T20Is, and 97 first-class matches. He also won six IPL titles, three each with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. ## Post-national retirement career stage After ending his Indian cricket career, Rayudu continued playing in global leagues, featuring in the CPL and ILT20 during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His appointment as HCA's Director of Cricket Operations was confirmed by Justice P Naveen Rao (SMC), M Jeevan Reddy (HCA Secretary), and the apex council, marking a fresh chapter in his cricket journey.