India cricketer Hanuma Vihari has officially parted ways with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and the right-hander is now all set to play for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit. The 30-year-old got his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from ACA on Tuesday and the formalities with the new team would be completed the moment he submits the necessary paperwork.
“Yes, he will be playing for MPCA in the coming season. There was some delay in his NOC from ACA but I heard he has received it now. So the moment he submits us the paperwork, there will be no roadblocks,” says MPCA secretary Sanjeev Rao.
When contacted, Vihari refused to comment on the developments. He was in talks with the association last season too but things didn’t materialise the way they would have wanted. After falling out with ACA, the solid right-hander approached MP coach Chandrakant Pandit and expressed his desire to play for the side as a professional player.
“There were talks last season too and we are happy to have him here. He himself approached Chandu sir after last season and expressed his wish to play for MPCA. He is a senior cricketer and will be an asset for any team,” adds Rao.
When the formalities are completed, Vihari will add a lot of solidity to MP batting which also features the likes of Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer. MPCA haven’t decided anything on captaincy yet but Vihari is in the mix for the role and a final decision will be taken after consultation with coach Pandit and selection panel.
“It is too early to confirm that but yes he will be considered and will be very much in the mix. The discussions will happen with Chandrakant Pandit and selectors and only then everything will be done. So I can’t confirm at this stage but can say that he will be very much in the mix,” says Rao.
In another notable development, Kuldeep Sen has returned to MPCA after moving base to Tamil Nadu last season. The seamer has already submitted his NOC to MPCA and will be turning up for his original team when the season gets underway. MP had signed Delhi’s Kulwant Khejroliya as a professional player last season but the selection committee will evaluate his performance and take a call accordingly.
“Kuldeep is back and he has already submitted his paperwork. As far as Kulwant is concerned, the selection panel will evaluate his performance and then take a call based on the composition of the squad and the mix which coach Pandit and selectors want. So let’s see. But Kuldeep and Hanuma are confirmed as of now,” adds Rao.
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