Star Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari recently made headlines when he announced his decision to quit Andhra Cricket after a controversy surrounding his removal from captaincy emerged. The 30-year-old batsman took to social media to express his frustration, citing politics and inflated egos interfering with cricket as the reasons for his departure.

The controversy began when Vihari reportedly shouted at the 17th player, KN Prudhviraj, during the Andhra vs Bengal match. Prudhviraj's father, a politician, allegedly intervened, leading to Vihari's removal from the captaincy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vihari revealed that despite his contributions to the team, including leading them to the knockouts five times in seven years and playing for India in 16 tests, he was asked to resign without any fault of his own.

Following Vihari's post, Prudhviraj responded on Instagram, denying the allegations and emphasizing the importance of self-respect over anything else. Vihari's teammates also came to his defense, writing to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president, expressing their support for Vihari as captain.

The situation garnered support from various quarters, including Power Star Pawan Kalyan, chief of Jana Sena, who criticized the ACA for forcing Vihari to resign due to political pressure. Even TDP chief Chandra Babu Naidu voiced his support for Vihari, condemning the association's actions and pledging to ensure justice prevails.

The controversy highlights the challenges faced by athletes when politics and personal interests interfere with the spirit of sportsmanship. Vihari's decision to step away from Andhra Cricket underscores the need for transparency and fairness in sports administration.

Here is how Pawan Kalyan and Chandra Babu Naidu reacted.

Pawan Kalyan posted "Represented our ‘Bharath’ in 16 Test Matches, Scored 5 half Centuries & a Century, His Heroics in Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable.

As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra Team to qualify for the knockouts 5 times in the last 7 years. From Playing with a fractured hand to an Injured Hamstring, Hanumavihari always gave his everything for Bharath and for Andhra Pradesh in the domestic circuit.

And today, Andhra Cricket Association forced Vihari to resign from the captaincy just because a YCP Corporator wanted it. A Local YCP Politician with no cricket background is more valuable than an Indian Cricketer & Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team Captain to our Andhra Cricket Association. What a Shame!

Mr.Jagan Mohan Reddy, What is the point of spending crores of money in events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the State Cricket Association humiliates and insults our Andhra Cricket Team Captain?

Dear @Hanumavihari garu, firstly you have been a Champion Player for the State and for the Nation. We thank you for your services and for inspiring young kids and players in Andhra. All Telugu Cricket Loving People feel pained and hurt with the treatment meted out to you by our State Association and We Stand with you.

Last but not the least, Wishing you the very best and I hope you will play for Andhra Again next year with a State Board that knows to respect and treat players with dignity.@IndiaSports@BCCI@JayShah"

Chandra Babu Naidu posted "It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari , a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh.

Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity and commitment to the game speak volumes. These unjust actions don't reflect the true spirit of Andhra Pradesh or our people. We stand with you, and we'll ensure justice prevails. #WeStandWithHanuma "

Represented our ‘Bharath’ in 16 Test Matches, Scored 5 half Centuries & a Century, His Heroics in Sydney Test against Australia is unforgettable.

As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra Team to qualify for the knockouts 5 times in the last 7 years. From Playing with… pic.twitter.com/Z3bQOqwKeE

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) February 27, 2024

It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh.

Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity…

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 27, 2024