Hanuma Vihari got the support of Chandrababu Naidu amid the ACA controversy

India’s batter Hanuma Vihari’s allegations of political interference in the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association have sparked a row in the southern state’s politics, as the now-former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, backing Hanuma Vihari, has jumped into the controversy and accused the YSRCP of vindictive politics in the state’s cricket association. Hanuma Vihari on Monday posted some statements on his Instagram account on Monday where he accused ACA of playing politics inside the team and pointed out political interference as the main reason behind his removal from the captaincy of the Andhra Pradesh team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.

Andhra Pradesh former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu supporting Vihari posted this on his X handle.

“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,”
Chandrababu Naidu posted on X

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

Back in January, when he stepped down from the captaincy of the state’s team, he declared that it was his personal decision, but on Monday, he revealed that he was pressured to do so to favor someone in the team and vowed that he would never play for Andhra Pradesh again. Andhra Pradesh’s Ranji journey for 2024 is now over following their loss against Madhya Pradesh, and Vidharbha’s has stormed into the semi-finals of the tournament.