Hanuma Vihari Row: Teammates Signed Letter Of Support 'Under Threat', Claims ACA - Report

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has alleged that the teammates were forced to sign the 'Letter of support' for Hanuma Vihari "under threat", according to India Today. Earlier. Vihari lashed out at the ACA for 'mistreatment' and said that he was asked to resign from captaincy after the first game of the season. He further alleged that his removal came after an altercation with a teammate who was the son of a politician. Vihari shared a copy of his statement on social media along with signatures of his teammates but the ACA has said that the cricketers were forced to sign it by the veteran player.

"Hanuma Vihari has alleged that despite all the players in the team supporting him to continue as the captain, he was removed. In this regard, the concerned players have complained to the Andhra Cricket Association against Vihari. Some players have complained to the Andhra Cricket Association that they were forced to sign under threats. Andhra Cricket Association will thoroughly investigate all the complaints received and report the facts to the BCCI," ACA said according to the report.

"He (Vihari) asked the Andhra Cricket Association to continue on behalf of Andhra, apologising for being emotional and frustrated for not being selected in the Indian team, as he was not given the NOC."

The report also claimed that ACA has accused Vihari of creating a 'class difference' in the team under his captaincy with a few players complaining about his misbehaviour and use of foul language.

"Moreover, players had previously complained to the Andhra Team Managers Association that Vihari used foul language and misbehaved with fellow players during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. It was stated that due to the behaviour of Hanuma Vihari, there was a class difference in the team," ACA said.