'I'll Strive to Take…': After Saying no to MPCA, Hanuma Vihari Confirms he is Staying Back

The U-turn is officially complete as India cricketer Hanuma Vihari, after backing out of Madhya Pradesh move last week, will be staying back at Andhra for the domestic season. The 30-year-old took No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Andhra Cricket Association earlier this month but never submitted it to Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.

The changing political landscape in Andhra played a huge role in forcing Vihari to stay back and it was evident from his exchange with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary Nara Lokesh on social media platform X.

Vihari’s last moment back out, for second consecutive year, hasn’t gone down too well with senior MPCA office bearers as it was the right-hander who had himself approached coach Chandrakant Pandit after his fall out with Andhra officials last season.

Also Read: Vihari Backs Out Again, Says No to MPCA Move

Pandit had assured Vihari of a freehand and, as CricketNext had reported earlier this month, the state association was considering the batter for a leadership role. MPCA waited for a couple of weeks for the NOC and when it never arrived, Pandit tried reaching out to Vihari but got a response only after plenty of unanswered phone calls and a text message.

“I have been trying to speak to him for the last 5-6 days but wasn’t able to talk. I then dropped him a message and he called back last evening and said he would update me. This morning (June 20) I got a message from him that he will not be able to play for us,” Pandit had said.

What has disappointed the men who matter in MPCA is that it has happened for the second year. Vihari was in talks to play for MP in the 2023-24 season but the move never materialised as he stayed back.

“It has happened for two consecutive years now and it’s very unfortunate. Everyone in the association was prepared to have him but the last moment back out, again, isn’t good,” the veteran coach added.

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