Amaravathi: Nara Lokesh, Minister for HRD, IT, and Electronics, announced on Tuesday that the Andhra Pradesh Government is committed to supporting cricketer Hanuma Vihari. This follows Vihari’s resignation as captain of the Andhra cricket team, citing excessive political interference.
In a press statement, Lokesh condemned the political meddling in sports, highlighting the appointment of P Sarath Chandra Reddy, an accused in the Delhi liquor scam, as president of the AP Cricket Association by the previous government. This move led to the mistreatment of the talented Vihari, sidelining him to promote Kuntrapakam Prithviraj, a political leader’s son.
Lokesh emphasized that Vihari’s resignation was a result of frustration with the Andhra Cricket Association’s biased practices. He acknowledged the swift support from Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and himself, which was echoed by fans on social media under the hashtag #WeStandWithHanuma.
Lokesh also criticized the previous administration for delaying Vihari’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for other states, describing it as vengeful. He assured that the TDP-led Alliance Government is dedicated to promoting sports free from political influence and promised justice for Vihari.
