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It gives me immense pleasure to inform that Dr. Gokaraju Gangaraju has done exemplary service to Andhra Association. I know Dr. Gangaraju and his father and both of them are people of noble heart. They are always keen to serve the society. Recently I inaugurated the picturesque twin grounds at Mulapadu in . I also inaugurated the first- ever historical Test match at Visakhapatnam. After taking a look at the grounds and other infrastructure in different districts of A.P, I am thrilled by the dedicated efforts put in by Dr. Gangaraju and his team. I requested Dr. Gangaraju to give a proposal for developing adventure sports on the hillocks of Mulapadu and other sports infrastructure across the State. Top officials of BCCI, recognising his services made him the Vice President of BCCI. I would like to appreciate Dr. Gangaraju, his team of office bearers and members of ACA, who stood by him in all his endeavours in moulding ACA as a role model association in the country.

1 1 I take it as honour to inform that Andhra Cricket Association, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Gokaraju Gangaraju, has made tremendous progress in terms of development of game and infrastructure across the state of AP. I have been watching Dr. Gangaraju in BCCI meetings. He comes to the meetings with one agenda - to seek facilities to ACA, demand postings for ACA members in sub committees of BCCI and more number of international matches for the association. He always sought the coveted Test status to Dr. Y.S.R. ACA-VDCA stadium at Visakhapatnam. I am happy to say that this man has passion for Andhra cricket, cricketers and administrators. He is one of the most successful cricket administrators of the country and I wish him all the best in all his endeavours.

2 2 During my tenure as cricket administrator, I saw a lot of people doing more talking and less doing. During my visit to Andhra Cricket Association, I was fortunate to see spectacular grounds and infrastructure at Mulapadu and Mangalagiri. It was a pleasent surprise to see the development that has taken place in the 13 districts of ACA. Till date I was of the opinion that Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association is the only association which had developed grounds and established academies. But after seeing the ACA grounds, four residential academies for boys and girls and learning about grants offered as stipends to deserving boys and girls, the transparency in administration and the financial discipline, I have no second thought in calling ACA as Aadarsh Cricket Association. I bow to the spirit and teamwork exhibited by Gangaraju and his team. I wish and pray to see many boys and girls from Andhra representing Indian teams and bring laurels to the country.

3 3 I am happy today because I am the President of ACA which is celebrating it’s diamond jubilee in a befitting manner. Nothing can give me more happiness than supporting and recognizing the present and former cricketers who brought laurels to our State. I sincerely appreciate Dr. Gangaraju and his team for enhancing the pride and dignity of the association with their committed work. I feel it as an honour for having worked along with him. He is a man of committment and I know inspite of many troubles he had faced - be it ACB, Income Tax raids on his business, political and social pressures, he stood by his principles and guided the association to prosperity. Though we are two wheels of the same cycle, he drove the vehicle in a balanced manner and I only supported him in the interesting journey. More than anyone else, ACA requires Gangaraju and his services. I wish and pray that under his leadership Andhra scales greater heights in times to come.

4 4 As the Honorary President of Andhra Cricket Association, I felt happy when I learnt that the members, office bearers and staff of ACA have come up with the idea of releasing a book that contained contributions of Dr. G. Gangaraju to ACA. It is a tribute to a man who was instrumental in converting Andhra Cricket Association into the most- progressive organisation in the country. Some of the landmark decisions taken during his tenure paved the way for many associations in the country to emulate ACA. Some of them are stipend schemes for deserving boys and girls, establishment of academies, bringing in professionals, transparency in financial management and maintaining relationships within the State unit and BCCI. It is difficult to step into the shoes of Dr. Gangaraju as his commitment and tenacity cannot be matched. But we will try and and follow the path laid by Gangaraju in keeping ACA flag flying high .

5 5 I have the pleasure of visiting Andhra Cricket Association’s infrastructure at Mangalagiri, Mulapadu and Vishakapatnam. Indeed it takes lot of dedication and passion to build such world- class infrastructure. I whole heartedly congratulate Dr. Gangaraju who was the chief architect responsible for turning the fortunes of the association. My interaction with him was good enough to gauge how passionate he is to see the development of ACA in all fronts. The funds that BCCI disburses have been put to proper use for the right cause under his dynamic leadership. I am sure his successors will also follow the path laid by him.

Right from my childhood I had the impression that Andhra Team was just a pushover. If we could pick up Amit Pathak and MSK Prasad’s , Andhra team will fall like a pack of cards. These were the notions of the past.

6 6 Today Andhra teams have solid players who are making a big impact in domestic circuit. It may be appropriate to say that in times to come Andhra will be a potential force in Indian cricket. Apart from infrastructure, I was also impressed with the academy concept developed by MSK Prasad and being nurtured by Dr. Suratwala with committed coaches and support staff.

Rahul Dravid having a stroll in the picturesque ground at Mulapadu, Krishna District

Education is an integral part of sport and I am really happy that ACA Academies have also taken up the big task of providing education simultaneously with cricket. I have travelled across the length and breadth of the cricketing world, and I feel the academies developed by Dr. Gangaraju and his team are of international standards.

ACA Secretary Ch. Arun Kumar explaining about the academy systems to the legendary cricketer

I wish that Andhra cricketers should make use of this infrastructure and enhance their skils and achieve their goals and at the same time go on to become successful citizens of the country .

Rahul Dravid walks past a room which is named after him in the academy

I was told that ACA is paying a tribute to Dr. Gangaraju through this book and I am extremely happy to offer my piece of appreciation to a well-deserved personality. After a wonderful message received from Rahul Dravid the academy kids pose for a photograph with him.

7 7 I take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Gangaraju for his commitment and efforts to transform Andhra cricket in the last five years. He not only made changes in administration but also made massive impact on the development of the game in . For any state association to excel in the sport you require to provide quality infrastructure and also have passionate people who understand the intricacies of the sport. I am not surprised that this responsibility was given to my childhood friend and former -keeper MSK Prasad who, during his playing days, took a lot of pride in wearing the Andhra colours and always had the best intentions for the cricketers from Andhra. I would like to appreciate the efforts of Dr. Gangaraju and his team who stood rock solid in building ACA into a powerhouse for cricket and also exhibited progressive mindset . I had the privilege of inaugurating the residential academy in Mangalagiri and it gives me immense pleasure to know that the academy has

8 8 become the feeding ground for various Andhra cricket teams which are excelling in domestic cricket . It is great to see some of the academy players representing Team India at Junior level with a lot of success. I was also part of the ACA’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations along with . Words cannot describe the way

VVS Laxman inaugurates ACA Academy at Mangalagiri it was conducted and the way ACA honoured its past cricketers since it’s inception along with current cricketers. It was a very noble gesture by ACA to recognise and honour the contributions of its past cricketers by paying

Offering prayers for the success of the academy

them a cheque amounting to Rs 2.5 crores. Apart from supporting cricketers, ACA also supports players from other sports and many deserving sportspersons were beneficiaries of this magnanimity of ACA.

Words of wisdom to the academy kids

Finally I would like to appreciate Dr. Ganga Raju for his untiring service to ACA and I am sure that a lot of people will get inspired by this visionary and will learn from what he has done to Andhra cricket and cricketers in such a short span of time. ACA richly pays tribute to their leader and source of inspiration through this book. Inspiring the young minds

9 9 Dr. Gangaraju did his schooling in Public School and shared the class room with many sportspersons. His passion for sports in general and cricket in particular was nurtured in school. Not many people know that Gangaraju has represented the cricket team of Hyderabad Public School during his school days. He also represented junior State for ACA and he represented South Zone schools where he played against yesteryear legends like Hanumant Singh, Kailash Gattani, Ashok Mankad and Eknath Solkar.

Hyderabad Public School Dr. Gangaraju’s love for cricket started from school days

Later he did his graduation in pharmacy at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. During his college days he captained Andhra University cricket team for two years. Being a passionate sportsman, he excelled in other sports too. He represented tennis for AU team. After completing his graduation he started his own pharmacy company and diversified into various businesses. He was away from sports for two decades untill unforeseen circumstances forced him to enter Krishna District Cricket Association. Sharing an incident, he said as the of AU College team he defeated Andhra Medical College in the final of Dr. Ebden memorial trophy tournament in Vizag. When he took the trophy to show it to his principal, he, instead of congratulating, advised Dr. Gangaraju to concentrate on studies as well.

Dr. Gangaraju all set to strike Young Gangaraju with Dr. Ebden Memorial Trophy

10 10 For many people who are steadily progressing in their chosen field, taking up new ventures or responsibilities is a big no-no. They avoid such a deviation. But some, despite their busy schedule and commitment, find time to take up new challenges more so when it is question of

Dr. Gangaraju taking charge as secretary KDCA

protecting genuine people facing hardships while functioning in an organisation.

One such person is Dr. Gokaraju Gangaraju. Despite his hectic professional and social schedule, when the office bearers of the Krishna

Police Commissioner and President KDCA Mr. Surendra Babu welcoming Dr. Gangaraju into KDCA

District Cricket Association approached him to restore normalcy in the rift-ridden Krishna District Cricket Association , he came out in full support of them who were fighting for a genuine

Dr. Gangaraju meeting the officials of KDCA

cause and resolved the issue amicably and made things easy for Andhra Cricket Association. In fact KDCA, under his stewardship hosted the first- ever ODI at IGMC stadium in during

Meeting the players after taking charge of KDCA 2002.

11 11 On November 24th 2002

When BCCI allotted ODI to Vijayawada Dr. Gangaraju played a key role in the smooth conduct of the match between India and West Indies. When the match was allotted, the then Secretary of ACA Sri N. Venkata Rao, was worried about the ICC norms with regard to

Officials of ODI organising committee

pavilion, dressing rooms, commentary box and galleries.

At that juncture Gangaraju entered the scene and stood rock solid behind Venkat Rao and personally monitored the completion of all

South pavilion constructed by Dr. Gangaraju for the ODI the ICC requirements in a short span of time. He also brought in ICC observer Mike Proctor and convinced him that the facilities were as per the ICC standards. Dr. Gangaraju greeting India skipper Rahul Dravid

Gangaraju spent a huge money from his pocket in getting the south gallery ready . He also monitored the construction of east and west galleries. The match was treat for Vijayawada public which was eventually won by the West Indies. Commentators and Mike Holding

12 12 Family members of Dr. Gangaraju and other Tollywood heroes Venkatesh, Srikanth and Tarun officials witnessing the match

ACA felicitates A. Yellarao for providing a ACA felicitates legendry cricketer brilliant pitch and the outfield for the ODI

Commentator Ravi Shastri having a word with skipper Ravi Shastri having a word with man of the match Rahul Dravid during post match presentation during post match presentation

Victorious West Indies team Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium, soaked with light

13 13 Dr. Gangaraju was busy in his his own life and was not active in cricket administration.

When a group of administrators looked up to him to bring in a change in Andhra Cricket

Association, he instantly agreed and brought in the much-needed change. After ushering in the change he did not occupy any major portfolio in the association. This was in 2007.

Once again in 2008-09, the image of ACA was tarnished by certain unforeseen events forcing Dr. Gangaraju to take tough measures and introduced a system of discipline in ACA.

The entire general body members of ACA unanimously wanted him to be the vital functionary for which he humbly agreed. On many occasions Dr. Gangaraju publicly said that owing to his commitment to the larger interest of the association he had to be harsh on certain individuals who were otherwise his friends. He had to forego his friendship and give utmost priority to the cause and for principles he stood for and also for the members who sincerely wanted him to steer the association forward.

From then on the progress of ACA has been phenomenal and the game development, infrastructure, development of the academies, welfare of the players and members topped the agenda . Now the system is helping the association like a well-oiled machine.

The legacy left behind by Dr. Gangaraju is difficult to emulate, but the present administrators are leaving no stone unturned in continuing the trend set by the visionary administrator.

ACA salutes the dynamic, large - hearted and the fatherly- figure Dr. Gangaraju and wishes and hopes that his guidance will always be there for the progress of the ACA which is called as the “Aadarsh Cricket Association”.

14 14 Dr. Gangaraju has brought democratic system in the functioning of ACA. He was instrumental for conducting elections in 2007, 2011 and 2015 in a fair manner by roping in election officers of reputation like Sri Sashibhushan IAS, Sri B.L. K. Reddy, former Major General in and requested BCCI to send observers to oversee the election process. By the end of 2015, Gangaraju brought all the members on one platform which has eventually helped in the smooth and successful running of the association .

Dr. Gangaraju meeting and greeting the members of both the groups

Victorious group having a lighter moment

Lagadapati Rajagopal declaring the winners General Body members posing for a picture

15 15 The ACA election in 2011 was full of drama, thirlls and frills. There was political pressure that was imposed by the rival group and more than 25 cases were filed on Gangaraju group. An ACB case was filed to put pressure on the ruling group. All the cases against Gangaraju group backfired on the opposition and ACB gave a clean chit and

Incumbent office bearers prior to the election appreciated Gangaraju and his team for running the association in a most transparent manner. In the AGM held on 2011 for the first time in the history of ACA, the elections were held in the process of secret ballot and more than 2/3 of the members reposed their faith on Dr. G. Gangaraju’s panel and voted for them, which showed the confidence of the members Election Officers on the job on him.

Dr. Gangaraju and his group members Opposition group members

Mr. B.L.K. Reddy was the election officer appointed by ACA. Mr. Sashibhushan, IAS, was appointed by High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Sri Kasi Viswanathan was sent by BCCI to oversee the election process. All three of them appreciated the manner in which elections were conducted and declared D. V. Subba Rao- Gangaraju group as winners. Election officers declaring the

16 16 ACA election in 2015 was the easiest one when compared to the last three elections. It was a mere formality as there was no opposition as Dr. Gangaraju won the hearts of the ruling and the opposition group as well. Capt. B.L.K. Reddy, who was the election officer, declared the election unaminous in favour of Gangaraju - Somayajulu team.

ACA office bearers and members and Captain B.L.K. Reddy (election officer) during the proceedings of 62nd general body

ACA office bearers and members during the proceedings of 62nd general body

ACA members having a chat during the proceedings of 62nd general body Captain B.L.K. Reddy awarding the certificate

Newly-elected office bearers for the term 2015 - 19

17 17 Selecting the right man for the right job is the essence of any management and that is what Dr. Gangaraju has done after taking the responsibility as Secretary of ACA. He has identified the inherent skills in each member and allotted portfolios accordingly. For instance, he has set up a legal wing and made Sri D.V.Subba Rao, a reputed legal legend (former / Bar Council President of India) as the chairman of the legal committee. The committee also had reputed lawyers like Sri D.V.S.S. Somayajulu, M.V. Siva Reddy, Sri N.Mohan Das, D.Nageswara Raju, P. Sunil Ratna Kumar, Ch. Pratap Kumar etc.

He also set up infrastructure committee naming himself as the chairman as he has vast experience in the field of construction. He had reputed people like Sri Ch.Arun Kumar, Sri V. UmaMaheswar, Sri M.A. Rahim etc., as the members. He has set up a cricket development committee with former captains like K.S.Bhaskara Rama Murthy,

M.N.Ravi Kumar, V.Sathya Prasad Yachendra The golden of Sri D.V. Subbarao and this committee was headed by former and Dr. G. Gangaraju the paved the way for Indian cricketer M.S.K.Prasad. He has also ACA success brought in former IRS officer Sri M.A. Rahim as the treasurer of ACA because of which ACA stands as role model in the country in terms of financial transparency and the Delloitte (consultant company hired by BCCI) report on ACA is self explanatory. After taking over the reins of ACA, Dr. Ganga Raju enhanced the annual grant from a meagre Rs.15,000/- per annum in 2007 to Rs. 15,00,000/- per annum for each district Dr. G. Gangaraju with his committed lieutenants

18 18 from 2011. He has also extended financial assistance to districts which had infrastructure and cricketing activity.

He played a key role in generating maximum revenue by conducting international events. In 2004, ACA generated a gross revenue of Rs. 1 crore for India- ODI held at ACA - VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam, with the combination of instadia advertisement D.V. Subbarao, Dr. Gangaraju and M.A. Rahim unveiling the logo of ACA Diamond Jubilee rights, sale of tickets and corporate boxes. After renegotiation, Dr. Ganga Raju has been instrumental in generating a gross revenue of Rs. 4 crores with combination of instadia advertising rights, sale of tickets and corporate boxes in the year 2009. This increase has largely been because of the vast business acumen and experience that he has ACA Cricket Committee headed by M.S.K. Prasad (DCO) Members - M.N. Ravi Kumar, K. Bhaskar in running his business empire. Ramamurthy, V. Satya Prasad

The success of Andhra Cricket Association has largely been because of the management skills exhibited by Dr. Gangaraju and his committed team of office bearers, members of ACA.

19 19 I deem it as great pride and privilege to share my experience that I had with Dr. Gangaraju during my tenure with ACA as Director Cricket Operations. I joined ACA in December 2009. I had the privilege of travelling extensively across the length and breadth of Andhra Pradesh along with Dr. Gangaraju. During our journey we realised that the State was badly in need of quality Dr. Gangaraju mentoring M.S.K. Prasad coaching and infrastructure right from the grass root level. Till 2009 we had only three full-time coaches working with ACA. We thought we needed to provide quality coaches across all levels. We had employed two Level - A coaches in all 13 districts headquarters. Later we started three sub centres for each district and employed one Level - O coach per each sub centre. Subseqeuntly we started three zonal academies and employed three coaches per each academy. We also designed a similar structure for women’s cricket at . Apart from the academy coaches, we are also utilising the services of former cricketers who have taken up coaching after retirement. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint with ACA under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Gangaraju, members and office bearers of ACA. The cricket committee gave me free hand to run the operations and we tried our level best in the development

of game in Andhra Pradesh. Today I have moved on to BCCI as chairman of Senior Selection Committee. My absence will not be felt as Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, who had worked in NCA for more than a decade, has taken over as the General Manager (Game Development) and I am sure with his rich experience at NCA, the players and Andhra Cricket Association will benefit a lot . Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, GM, Game Development, ACA

20 20 J. Krishna Rao C.D. Thomson N. Nirmal Kumar B. Madhusudan Reddy Head Coach Level - C Head Coach Level - C Asst. Coach Level - B Head Coach Level - B C.Z. Academy N.Z. Academy C.Z. Academy S.Z. Academy

Vikram Varma Venkat Nagesh Imtiaz Ahmed Srinivas Krishna Kishore Asst. Coach Level-B Asst. Coach Level - A Asst. Coach Level - A Asst. Coach Level - A Asst. Coach Level - A N.Z. Academy N.Z. Academy C.Z. Academy S.Z. Academy C.Z. Academy

21 21 ACA WOMEN’S ACADEMY STAFF

Srinivas Reddy Diana David Ramadevi Koteswara Rao Sahaja Head Coach Level - B Asst. Coach Asst. Coach Physical Trainer Physio ACA Women’s ACA Women’s ACA Women’s Academy ACA Women’s Academy ACA Women’s Academy Academy Academy

Shekhar Raju Kishore Raju Ramamurthy Dorai Raj Talent Hunt Talent Hunt Talent Hunt Talent Hunt ACA Women’s ACA Women’s ACA Women’s ACA Women’s Academy Academy Academy Academy

22 22 Andhra Cricket Association is indebted to former Ranji captains and cricketers who contributed a lot to ACA during their playing days and presently playing the role of coaches in senior, junior and at the grass root levels .

K. Chandra Sekhar Rao H. Ram Prasad Amit Pathak Vincent Vinay Kumar Legendary ACA Legendary ACA Legendary ACA Legendary ACA Ranji Captain Ranji Captain Ranji Captain Ranji Captain

Hemal Watekar Kalyan Krishna V.V.V. Apparao A.S.K. Varma Legendary ACA Legendary ACA Former Ranji Cricketer Former ACA Cricketer Ranji Captain Ranji Cricketer

G. Siva Kumar Raju T.S. Prasad D. Ravi Kumar Vanka Murali Ch. Sankar Former ACA Cricketer Former ACA Cricketer Former ACA Cricketer Former ACA Cricketer Former ACA Cricketer

23 23 Realising the need of quality coaches at grassroot level Dr. Gangaraju has employed the following coaches at the district head quarters and its sub centres. They have been working really hard to see that the Andhra Cricketers and the association reach greater heights .

Sl.No. NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE Sl.No. NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE 1 Killi Sudarshana Rao 37 M. Satyanarayana 2 M. Govinda Rao 38 G. Durga Prasad 3 G. Srikanth (T) 39 J. Harnadha Reddy 4 Mohan Sundar Das 40 A. Priyanka 5 K. Chandrasekhara Rao 41 Sk. Shair Hussain 6 G. V. Narasimha Rao 42 S. Ramadevi 7 D. Ravi Kumar 43 K. Srinivasa Rao 8 G. Satyanarayana 44 Sk. Nagur Vali 9 D. Kalyan Krishna 45 P. V. Bapi Raju 10 B. Chiranjeevi 46 N. Rajendra Prasad 11 P. Ravi Kumar (T) 47 S. Ramkumar 12 Y. Mastan Reddy 48 K. Siva Naga Raju 13 I. Bhaskara Rao 49 V. Krishna Rao 14 VVV. Appa Rao 50 B. Chandrasekhar 15 A. Koteswara Rao (T) 51 L. Krishna Kishore 16 K. Sudhakar 52 T. Siva Nageswara Rao 17 M. Prabhakara Rao 53 O. Srinivasulu 18 T. S. Prasad 54 B. Babu Rao 19 J. Anand Kumar (T) 55 Sk. Jilini 20 R. K. Murugan 56 D. Chandrika 21 Md. Azmatulla 57 M. Chandrasekhar 22 A. Sekhar ( T ) 58 A. Raja Sekhar 23 V. Srinivasulu 59 P. Danunjaya 24 A. Yugandhar Reddy 60 K. Ratna Kumar, VSP 25 B. Bommanna (T) 61 G. Sunil Kumar 26 M. Raja Babu 62 P. Anitha 27 K. Srinivas 63 N. Prasad 28 M. Damayanthi 64 B. Padmavathi 29 K. Swathi 65 B. Premkiran Singh 30 D. R.Srinvivas 66 Y. Balaji Rao 31 Ch. Radha Krishna 67 K. V. Prasanna Kumar 32 K. Kumaraswamy 68 Sk. Nazir Ahmad 33 P. Naga Raju 69 S.Ghulam Khadar Basha 34 S. Kavitha 70 P. Sharmasvalli 35 D. Kalyani 71 N. Sardar 36 A.S.K. Varma 72 V. Anil Kumar

24 24 After taking over the responsibility as secretary of ACA Dr. Gangaraju travelled across the state to have a first-hand feel of cricketing activity and facilities in all the 13 districts. He realised that there was a need for good infrastructure across all districts in order to develop the game. He also realised that BCCI has been granting funds to all the State units to develop the game and infratructure. With this objective he has taken up massive infrastructure projects across 13 districts. Today BCCI has appreciated the efforts of Dr. Gangaraju and his team for utilising the funds for the right cause and purpose. International Stadiums Dr. YSR ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Proposed ACA International Cricket Stadium, Mangalagiri. Academies ACA Under - 14 Academy, Kadapa. ACA Under - 16 Academy, Mangalagiri. ACA Under - 19 Academy, Vizianaaram. ACA Womens Academy, J.K.C. College, Guntur. ACA developed and adoped cricket grounds ACA Rajareddy Cricket Ground , Kadapa ACA KSRM College Ground , Kadapa ACA KORM College Ground, Kadapa. ACA Bala Sai Baba Ground , Kurnool ACA Venkatagiri Cricket Club Ground, Venkatagiri. ACA VACC Cricket Ground, Venkatagiri. ACA PDCA Cricket Ground, Sharma College, Ongole. ACA SGVR Cricket Ground, Perecherla, Guntur. ACA JKC Cricket Ground, Guntur. ACA Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Cricket Complex, Mulapadu, Krishna Dist., ACA DNR College Cricket Ground, Bhimavaram. ACA VDCA Cricket Ground, Visakhapatnam. ACA MVGR Cricket Ground, Vizianagaram. ACA Vizzy Cricket Ground, Vizianagaram. ACA Indoor Academy, Mangalagiri.

25 25 ACA-VDCA Stadium project began during the tenure of Sri N. Venkata Rao and the construction was completed in a phased manner. After Dr. Gangaraju took over the reins of ACA in 2009 he made rapid progress in the completion of stadium. During his tenure he was instrumental in installing flood lights, corporate boxes and other ICC requirements. The pitches and outfield were relayed. BCCI and ICC were extremely happy with the facilities and alloted substantial matches from 2009 to 2016. When there was severe water crisis in , there was public outcry against cricket matches at both and Pune. Within a short-notice of ten days, ACA successfully conducted six IPL matches spread- ing to 14 days. BCCI, Mumbai and Pune franchisees appreciated the efforts put in by ACA for the smooth conduct of the matches in Visakhapatnam. The glamourous edition of cricket was a visual treat to the Steel City fans.

Ariel view of ACA-VDCA Stadium Spectators having fun at ACA-VDCA Stadium

Public having fun at ACA-VDCA Stadium Picturesque view from the corporate box at ACA-VDCA Stadium

26 26 ACA nursed the idea of constructing an international cricket stadium under the leader- ship of Dr. Gangaraju at its own land of 24 acres in Mangalagiri in Guntur District. A design was made by Grand Slam architects and after following the tender procedure, IVRCL won the bidding and started the constructing the stadium. Due to initial hiccups the construction got delayed. At present the construction is going on in full swing. In all probabilities it will be completed in 2018 summer and Andhra Cricket Association will be coming up with its first international monument in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

East view of proposed Mangalagiri Stadium West view of proposed Mangalagiri Stadium

Internal view of proposed Mangalagiri Stadium Internal view of proposed Mangalagiri Stadium

27 27 Dr. Gangaraju personally visits the stadium every day and monitors the construction of the stadium. As he is having rich knowledge in the field of construction owing to his vast business empire, Andhra Cricket Association is richly benefitted from his experience.

Present status of Mangalagiri Stadium Present status of the entrance of the stadium

Present status of Western gallery Present status of Eastern gallery

Present status of South block Present status of North block

28 28 ACA YSRR Stadium, Kadapa. ACA YSRR Stadium, Kadapa.

ACA KSRM Stadium, Kadapa ACA KORM Stadium, Kadapa

RDT Stadium, Anantapur RDT Ground - II, Anantapur

ACA NTR Krida Pranganam, Ground - I, Venkatagiri ACA NTR Krida Pranganam, Ground - II, Venkatagiri

29 29 ACA Sarma College, Ongole ACA Narendranath Stadium, Perecherla, Guntur District

ACA Academy Ground, Mangalagiri. ACA Women’s Academy Ground, JKC College, Guntur.

ACA - RVR & JC College of Engineering , Guntur District. ACA- SKBR College Ground, Narasaraopet, Guntur District.

30 30 Ariel view of Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Cricket Complex, Mulapadu, Krishna District

Beautiful view of Devineni Ramana & Praneetha Cricket Ground, Mulapadu, Krishna District

Spectacular view of Chukkapalli Pitchaiah Cricket Ground, Mulapadu, Krishna District

31 31 VPT Cricket Ground, Vizag ACA - Vizzi Stadium , Vizianagaram

ACA - M.V.J.R. Engineering College Ground , Vizianagaram ACA - N.Z. Academy Ground , Vizianagaram

ACA - Indoor Stadium, Mangalagiri internal view of ACA - Indoor Stadium , Mangalagiri

32 32 ACA WGDCA Ground, Bhogapuram, Eluru. ACA WGDCA Ground, Bhogapuram, Eluru.

ACA - DNR Ground - I, Bhimavaram. ACA - DNR Ground - II, Bhimavaram.

ACA KDCA Ground - I, Kurnool ACA KDCA Ground - II, Kurnool

ACA NDCA Ground - I, Nellore ACA NDCA Ground - II, Nellore

33 33 It was a dream-come-true for the Andhra Cricket Association, which, in a pioneering effort, has set up three zonal academies at Chintalavalasa (North Zone), Mangalagiri (Central Zone), and Kadapa (South Zone) in the year 2013.

‘

With a view to tap the talent in the State and grooming promising cricketers, ACA has set up these academies under purview of its apex cricket development body - Andhra Cricket Academy, headed by Dr. G. Ganga Raju, secretary, Mr. M.S.K.Prasad, Director, Cricket Operations, Zonal heads Mr. M. N. Ravi Kumar, Mr. Sathya Prasad Yachendra, Mr. K. S. Bhaskara Rama Murthy and the Zonal secretaries Mr. N.Prabhakara Rao (North Zone), Mr. V. Uma Maheswar (South Zone) and Mr. Koka Ramesh (Central Zone), in the year 2013. Sri J. Narendranath was made the Chairman of ACA Women’s Academy. Talented players of all age groups in the jurisdiction of the association are selected and accommodated in the academies. ACA is taking care of their boarding, lodging, education and cricketing activities free of cost .. All the zonal academies have been provided with air conditioned dormitories for players besides well-furnished rooms for the staff and employees. Kitchens and dining rooms were built within the premises of the respective academies. To ensure round-the-year coaching and continuous training for academy players, it has planned to construct indoor stadiums in future.

34 34 Inaugural puja of ACA SZ Academy, Kadapa. on June 12, 2013 Unveiling plaque .

Dr. Gangaraju declaring academy open Entering the building after inauguration

Picturesque view of ACA SZ Academy on the eve of its inauguration Sri D. Nageswara Rao Sri M.V. Sivareddy Convenor Chairman ACA U-14 Academy ACA U-14 Academy

35 35 At the inaugural function of CZ Academy, Mangalagiri Padmasri V.V.S. Laxman inaugurating CZ Academy

Mr. & Mrs. Gangaraju having a word with the academy palyers Group photo after the launch of CZ Academy

Picturesque view of ACA CZ Academy building on the eve of its inauguration

Sri Koka Ramesh Sri P. Sunil Ratan Kumar Convenor Chairman ACA U-16 Academy ACA U-16 Academy

36 36 Hostels at ACA NZ Academy Dining hall of the academy

Players performing yoga Players having a stretching session at academy

Picturesque view of ACA NZ Academy on the eve of its inauguration

Sri M. Vasudeva Raju Sri P.V. Deva Varma Chairman Convenor ACA U-19 Academy ACA U-19 Academy

37 37 Indian captain inaugurating ACA Women’s Beautiful view of the ACA Women’s Academy Ground Academy

Indian Women Team in action at ACA Women’s Academy

(Late) Sri J. Narendra Nath ACA Women’s Academy cricketers in action Sri J. Murali Mohan Founder Chairman ACA Women’s Academy ACA Women’s Academy

38 38 Great people never shy away from being creative and innovative. Andhra Cricket Association is functioning in the same manner since its inception. The era before Dr. Gangaraju regime witnessed not many innovative initiatives but after Mr. Raju assuming

Miss. Maria Fahey

his duties as Secretary, a new beginning was made. The first initiative was to set up an exclusive cricket committee and was given the autonomous right to take decisions with regard to development of the

Mr. Kaushik Patel game and also to bring in transperancy in selection process. In his six years of tenure he never received a complaint as far as the selection of teams was concerned which spoke

ACA Academy and Kent County players

volumes about the manner in which the selections were conducted.

Being a businessman Dr. Gangaraju knows about the importance of upgradation. Under his supervision ACA teams went abroad for exposure tours and tied up with foreign countries and counties

Mr. Jimmy Adams for mutual beneficial programmes. ACA also went

39 39 ACA Academy and Kent County players greeting each other Legendery Jimmy Adams interacting with ACA Academy players ahead in hiring Ms. Maria Fahey, who represented 60 ODIs and two World Cups for New Zealand as the head coach of ACA Women’s Academy. Mr. Kaushik Patel of New Zealand was hired as the head coach of the ACA Ranji Trophy team. At present ACA has top class coaches in its rank who have qualified in the certification courses.

Dr. Gangaraju was thinking of having ACA academies in United Kingdom and New Zealand so that ACA cricketers will be acquainted with international standards and players will have a first-hand feel of alien weather conditions .

Dr. Gangaraju was also planning to start a Premier League in Andhra in lines of and Tamil Nadu Premier Leagues. Unfortunately due to the prevailing situation at BCCI he could not convert the proposals into reality but has assured that his successor will give shape to the proposals.

Chinese women team at ACA Women’s Thailand women team at ACA Women’s Academy J.K.C. College , Guntur. Academy J.K.C. College , Guntur.

40 40 Having come from an aristrocratic family, Dr. Gangaraju has a heart of gold and it yearns to help the poor and needy. After taking over as the Secretary he has consulted his colleagues both present and former cricketers and designed stipend schemes for boys and girls. Those cricket- ers who represented the State are given a Women Cricketers who have reaped the benefits of stipend schemes who went on the to play for the country monthly stipend of Rs. 4,000 and those who SNEHA DEEPTHI , R. KALPANA, S. MEGHANA, have represented State zonals are paid Rs. 2000 per month. ACA spends an amount of Rs. 50 lakhs towards the stipend scheme. This scheme has helped needy cricketers to take care of their diet and cricketing gear. This scheme has reduced the burden on parents in supporting their children in concentrating on their passion - cricket.

Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT 1 S. U. Salma Bhanu 48,000 11 A. Sri Lakshmi 48,000 2 B. Anusha 48,000 12 S. Sai Lakshmi 48,000 3 P. Pallavi 48,000 13 G. Sindhuja 48,000 4 N. Anusha 48,000 14 E. Padmaja 48,000 5 G. Chandra Lekha 48,000 15 D. Pravallika 48,000 6 K. Anjali Sarvani 48,000 16 K. Hamsa 48,000 7 G. Saranya 48,000 17 G. Saranya 48,000 8 V. Sravani 48,000 18 P.V. Sudha Rani 48,000 9 M. Anusha 48,000 19 T. Mallika 48,000 10 A. Sireesha 48,000 20 Ch. Jhansi Lakshmi 48,000

41 41 Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT 21 R. Kalpana 48,000 49 K. S. N. Raju 48,000 22 S. Meghana 48,000 50 U.M.S. Girinadh 48,000 23 G. Sneha 48,000 51 C. R.Gnaneswar 48,000 24 M. Bhavana 48,000 52 S. Dhruva Kumar Reddy 48,000 25 K. Dhathri 48,000 53 K.Kranthi Kiran 48,000 26 P. Kavya 48,000 54 T. SivaKumar 48,000 27 S. Manasa 48,000 55 Y. Pramod 48,000 28 L. S. S. Tejaswini 48,000 56 D. G. J. Chaitanya 48,000 29 Ch. Kavitha 48,000 57 S. Yudish 48,000 30 P. Srilekha 48,000 58 S. Muddasar 48,000 31 K. Hepsiba (K. Hebsiba) 48,000 59 K. Pruthivi Rau 48,000 32 E. Tejaswi 48,000 60 T. Vamsi Krishna 48,000 33 K. Devika 48,000 61 M. Harisankar Reddy 48,000 34 M. Durga 48,000 62 M. A. Praneeth 48,000 35 S. Hima Bindu 48,000 63 Y. Sandeep 48,000 36 K. Jyothi 48,000 64 U.A.V. Varma 48,000 37 V. Pushpa Latha 48,000 65 S. Ashish 48,000 38 V. Ramya Deepika 48,000 66 P. Subrahmanyam 48,000 39 P. Sarayu 48,000 67 M. Bhargav 48,000 40 B. V. V. Niharika 48,000 68 K. Sunil Sankar 48,000 41 G. Sirisha 48,000 69 P. Khanish 48,000 42 M. Harika Yadav 48,000 70 M. Vamsi Krishna 48,000 43 P. Arjun Tendulkar 48,000 71 B. Sai Tarun 48,000 44 M. Mahendra 48,000 72 M. Harsha Vardhan 48,000 45 P. Atchutananda 48,000 73 S. Vaibhav 48,000 46 P. K. Sri Chakri 48,000 74 Karan Kannan 48,000 47 G. Chanti 48,000 75 B. Nagamani 24,000 48 M. Sudhanth Naidu 48,000 76 G. Lakshmi 24,000

42 42 Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT Sl. No Name of the player AMOUNT 77 K. Vinidhya 24,000 105 N. Sunitha 24,000 78 J. Durga Bhavani 24,000 106 K. Ribaka 24,000 79 P. Navya 24,000 107 K. Akanksha 24,000 80 G. Sonali Naidu 24,000 108 K. Sushma 24,000 81 D.Satyaveni 24,000 109 P. Pushpalatha 24,000 82 BVSLSRS. Sai Tanmayi 24,000 110 D. Y. Sanjana Priya 24,000 83 N. Lavanya 24,000 111 P. B. Saileha 24,000 84 B. Harshitha 24,000 112 S.D. Muskan 24,000 85 U. Sandhya 24,000 113 B. Rama 24,000 86 S. Manjula 24,000 114 V. Lavanya 24,000 87 V. Sravanthi 24,000 115 R. Sailatha 24,000 88 E. Preethi 24,000 116 M. Sandhya Rani 24,000 89 G. Shirisha 24,000 117 Swathi Singh 24,000 90 K. Vasavi Akhila Pavani 24,000 118 G.Polamma 24,000 91 P. Dhanalakshmi 24,000 119 K.Padma 24,000 92 Sk. Shakeera 24,000 120 R. Sandhya Monika 24,000 93 K. Rajeswari 24,000 121 V. Saitulya Tejasree 24,000 94 B. Sujana 24,000 122 B. Yamuna 24,000 95 A. Aishwarya Rai 24,000 123 G. Navya Durga 24,000 96 K. Rekha 24,000 124 G. Satyaveni 24,000 97 Ch. Anusha 24,000 125 M. Lavanya 24,000 98 K. Obulamma 24,000 126 T. Umadevi 24,000 99 M. Divyasree 24,000 127 B. Yamini 24,000 100 S. Shazadi 24,000 128 K. Madhuri 24,000 101 O. Indumathi 24,000 129 N.Mounika 24,000 102 K.Srilatha 24,000 130 S. Nagamani 24,000 103 S. Divya 24,000 131 N.Roja 24,000 104 K. Sudharani 24,000 132 V. Anusha Rani 24,000 TOTAL RS : 49,44,000

43 43 The year 2014-15 will be considered as a golden season for ACA since its inception in

1953. For the untiring efforts put in by the players, coaches, support staff, selectors and the administrators headed by Dr. Gangaraju and his team, all junior and senior age groups in both men and women categories emerged either as winners or runners-up in their respective categories. This is a tribute to the dedication of players and administrators. Dr. Gangaraju recognised the efforts of players, coaches, support staff and rewarded them befittingly. The following are the results that the Andhra teams achieved in the season.

1. Senior Ranji Team : Won the Plate championship and entered Elite group

Senior T 20 Team : Won the South Zone Championship and entered all- India quarterfinals

2. Under - 23 : Won the All India Group Championship and entered Elite.

3. Under - 19 : Won the South Zone Championship in one-dayers.

Under - 19 : Won the Plate Championship and entered Elite group

4. Under - 16 : Emerged as South Zone runner-up and entered all -India quarterfinals

5. Under - 14 : Won the South Zone Championship

6. Sr. Women’s : Won the Plate Championship and entered Elite group

Sr. Women’s : Emerged runner-up in Plate and entered all-India Super League.

7. U-19 Women’s : Winner of all-India Championship .

8. U-16 Women’s : Won the South Zone Championship - fifth time in a row.

44 44 45 45 46 46 Hardwork never fails. This adage was proved right for the players, coaches and support staff along with administrators headed by Dr. Gangaraju at ACA as the association went on to produce national and international cricketers both in men and women cateogories. The following are the cricketers of national and international repute.

V. SNEHA DEEPTHI is the first woman cricketer from Andhra to represent India. She played 3 ODIS for India.

R. KALPANA who has been a product of ACA Women’s Academy is the second woman cricketer to represent India as wicket keeper batswoman.

S. MEGHANA is a prolific run-getter for Andhra in all age groups. She was selected for the National duty and became the third woman cricketer from Andhra to represent India.

47 47 RICKY BHUI with his outstanding domestic performances he earned a place in Indian u-19 team and participated in the u- 19 World Cup held at Dubai and Sharjah in 2014. He went on to become captain of India u-19 team that toured . Later he represented India u-19 team in 2016 World Cup held at .

HANUMA VIHARI with his productive domestic performances in all formats in the last three years, he deservingly earned a place in India u-23 team that played in the u-23 held at Bangladesh in 2017. He was selected for Indian ‘A’ team that has toured South Africa in July 2017.

K.S. BHARATH has been a prolific run-getter for the last three seasons for Andhra Ranji team. His wicket-keeping skills are well apprecitated by the cricketing pundits. He is the first wicket keeper in the country to score at triple hundred in a First Class match against Goa in 2014 -15 at Ongole.

K.V. SASHIKANTH with his outstanding performance in u-23 domestic season earned him a place in India u-23 team that played in u-23 Asia Cup held at Bangladesh in 2017.

48 48 Men may come and men may go but few will be remembered for their selfless contributions to the organisations and society. ACA will be ever-grateful to Dr. Gangaraju as his contribution to the organisation is enormous and monumental. One of his great traits is recognising and rewarding committed members of the organisation. During his tenure he convinced BCCI in getting ACA members postings in various sub committees. He went on to convince BCCI in fetching manager and match observers posts to the deserving ACA members. Apart from the mentioned posts, Dr. Gangaraju also recognised the inherent talent among members and encouraged them in their respective areas of interest.

Sri D.V. Subba Rao 2010 - 11 : Member - Legal Committee 2011-12 : Member - Constitution Review & Legal Committee 2013-14 : Member - Constitution Review 2015-16 : Member - Constitution Review

Dr. G. Ganga Raju 2010-11 : Member - Marketting Committee 2011-12 : Member - IPL Governing Council 2013-14 : Chairman - Finance Committee 2014-15 : Member - IPL Governing Council 2015-16 : Chairman - Programme & Fixctures 2015-16 : Vice-President, BCCI

Sri D.V.S.S. Somayajulu 2013-14 : Member - Legal Committee 2014-15 : Member - Legal Committee 2015-16 : Member - Legal Committee

Sri P. Appala Raju 2010 - 11 : Member - Vizzy Trophy Committee 2011-12 : Member - Umpires Committee

49 49 Sri V.V.S.R.G.K. Yachendra 2012-13 : Member - Museum Committee 2013-14 : Member - Museum Committee 2014-15 : Member - Museum Committee

Sri J. Narendranath 2012-13 : Member - Women Cricket Committee 2013-14 : Member - BCCI Women Academy 2014-15 : Member - Museum Committee

Sri G.V.K. Ranga Raju 2012-13 : Member - Museum Committee 2013-14 : Member - Marketing Committee 2014-15 : Member - Marketing Committee Manager Indian Team, Zimbabwe tour

Sri Ch. Arun Kumar 2012-13 : Member - New Area Development Committee 2013-14 : Member - IT

Sri Moncho Ferrer 2010-11 : Member - Umpires Committee

Sri P. Vishnu Kumar Raju 2010-11 : Member - Marketing Committee

50 50 Sri M.A. Rahim 2015-16 : Member - TV Production Observer ODI

Sri M.V. Siva Reddy 2012-13 : Member - IT 2013-14 : Member -Anti Doping Committee 2015-16 : Manager India ‘A’ Team

Sri M.S.K. Prasad 2012-13 : Member - National Cricket Academy Board 2013-14 : Member - National Cricket Academy Board 2014-15 : Member - Technical Committee 2015-16 : Member - Senior Selection Committee 2016-17 : Chairman - Senior Selection Committee

Sri Koka Ramesh 2012-13 : Member - Marketing Committee Manager India U-19 Team, Malaysia Manager India Team, Zimbabwe

Sri N. Prabhakara Rao 2010-11 : Member - Museum Committee 2011-12 : Member - Museum Committee

Sri V. Umamaheswar 2010-11 : Observer India vs. SL ODI 2013-14 : Member - BCCI Women’s Academy

51 51 Sri J. Murali Mohan Sri V. Satya Prasad Sri Ch. Pratap 2015-16 : 2015-16 : Member 2014-15 : Manager - Indian Cricket Team Women Cricket Committee Manager CL T20 Bangladesh tour

Sri D. Nageswara Raju Sri P. Sunil Ratan Kumar Sri N. Mohan Das 2012-13 Member - Data Mgt. Committee BCCI 2016 Observer India vs NZ ODI 2011-12 : Member - Mkt. Committee Observer Champions Trophy at Dharmasala 2012-13 :Observer IPL South Africa Observer CL T20 2013-14 :Member-Museum Committee

Sri Ashwaq Raheem Khan Sri B. Bapuji Sri Goparaju Srinivas 2012-13 : 2015-16: Member 2014-15 : Observer India vs Srilanka Junior Cricket Committee Observer IPL held at Dubai ODI at Ranchi

52 52 In a landmark event in the history of Andhra Cricket Association, Dr. Gangaraju and his team organised a great gala show celebrating it’s diamond Jubilee year at Visakhapatnam in a beffiting manner in 2014.

As mark of regard to all those cricketers who represented ACA since 1953, they were invited and felicitated. ACA also ACA veteran cricketer receiving one-time benefit cheque from the dignitaries recognised those cricketers who were not

getting the benefits of Board of Control for (BCCI) pension scheme and honoured them with a one-time benefit worth of Rs. 3 crores.

The joy had no limits when the emotionally-charged veteran cricketers expressed their gratitude to Dr. Gangaraju with moist eyes.

BCCI top brass and former legendary cricketers of the country - , Javagal Srinath and V.V.S. Laxman - were the guests of honour.

They graced the occasion and expressed their love, warmth and respect for Sri N. Srinivasan receiving a sword from Gangaraju. Dr. Gangaraju and other dignitaries on the dais as a token of love for being elevated to the post of chairman of ICC

53 53 ADDRESS BY THE DIGNITARIES

Sri D.V. Subba Rao, Hon. President ACA Sri N. Srinivasan, Hon. President BCCI

Dr. G. Gangaraju , Hon. Secretary, ACA Sri V.V.S. Laxman, Legendary Former Indian Cricketer

Sri Javagal Srinath, Legendary Former Indian Cricketer Sri Anil Kumble, Legendary Former Indian Cricketer

Sri N. , Vice President, BCCI Sri Sanjay Patel, Hon. Secretary, BCCI

54 54 ADDRESS BY THE DIGNITARIES

Sri Ghanta Srinivas, Hon. Min. HRD, Govt. of A.P. Sri Atcham Naidu, Minister of Sports, Govt. of A.P.

Sri D.V.S.S. Somayajulu, Vice President ACA Sri Ch. Arun Kumar, Jt. Secretary, ACA

Sri N. Mohandas, Vice President, ACA Sri P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, President, VDCA

Sri M.S.K. Prasad, Director (CO) ACA Mis. Maria Fahey , Head Coach, ACA Women’s Academy

55 55 ACA PRESENTS MEMENTOS TO THE DIGNITARIES

Sri. N. Srinivasan lighting the lamp ACA felicitates N. Srinivasan

ACA presents memento to N. Srinivasan ACA presents memento to N. Shivlal Yadav

ACA presents memento to Javagal Srinath ACA presents memento to V.V.S. Laxman

ACA presents memento to Sanjay Patel ACA presents memento to Anil Kumble

56 56 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO THE FORMER AND PRESENT CAPTAINS OF ANDHRA RANJI TROPHY TEAMS

Chief Guests present memento to Sri Gopanna Chief Guests present memento to Sri B. Mahendra Kumar

Chief Guests present memento to K. Chandhrasekhar Rao Chief Guests present memento to B. Ram Prasad

Chief Guests present memento Sri M.N. Ravi Kumar Chief Guests present memento to K. Bhaskar Ramamurthy

Chief Guests present memento to K.S.V.D. Kamaraju Chief Guests present memento to V. Vijaya Saradhi

57 57 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO THE FORMER AND PRESENT CAPTAINS OF ANDHRA RANJI TROPHY TEAMS

ACA presents memento to Vincent Vinay Kumar ACA presents memento to Amit Pathak

ACA presents memento to M.S.K. Prasad ACA presents memento to Y. Venugopala Rao

ACA presents memento to Y. Gnaneswara Rao ACA presents memento to B. Sumanth

ACA presents memento Sri A.G. Pradeep Chief Guests present memento Sri D.B. Prashanth

58 58 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO ACA OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS

Sri D.V. Subba Rao, Hon. President Dr. G. Ganga Raju, Hon. Secretary

Sri M.A. Raheem, Treasurer Sri Ch. Arun Kumar, Joint. Secretary

Sri D.V.S. Somayajulu, Vice President Sri N. Mohan Das, Vice President

Sri Subba Raju, Vice President Sri Trinadh Raju, Vice President

59 59 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO ACA OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS

Sri G.V.K. Rangaraju, Vice President Sri G.J.J. Raju, Vice President

Sri V. Uma Maheshwar, Secretary, South Zone Sri N. Prabhakar Rao, Secretary, North Zone

Sri Koka Ramesh, Secretary, Central Zone Sri A. Yella Rao Secretary, KDCA

Sri P. Deva Varma, Secretary, VZM Club Sri B. Bapuji, Secretary, Welcome Club

60 60 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO ACA OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS

Sri Devendar Goud , Secretary, Kurnool. Sri D. Nageswara Raju, Secretary, Kadapa.

Sri Moncho Ferrer, President , Anantapur Sri Prasanna, Secretary, Anantapur

Sri V. Rajesh, GCC Sri Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Chairman, CDCA, Adhoc Comm.

Sri Anil Kumar, Convenor, CDCA, Adhoc Comm. Sri Gopala Krishna, Secretary, GCC

61 61 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO THE COACHES OF ACA

Sri J. Krishna Rao Sri C.D. Thomson

Sri Maria Fahey Sri Srinivas Reddy

Sri N. Nirmal Kumar Sri Venkat Ramesh

Sri Imtiaz Ahmed Sri Rama Murthy

62 62 DIGNITARIES PRESENT MEMENTOS TO THE UMPIRES AND STAFF OF ACA

Sri G.A. Pratap Kumar, Former International Umpire Sri S. Rama Krishna, Umpire, First Class Cricket

Sri P. Bhanuprakash, Umpire, First Class Cricket Sri Ch. Ravikanth Reddy, Umpire, First Class Cricket

Sri Ramesh, Umpire, First Class Cricket Sri C.R. Mohan, Media Manager, ACA

Sri G. Phani, Admin Manager ACA Sri Y. Satyanarayana, Chief Accountant, ACA

63 63 The success of ACA in hosting many domestic and International matches largely goes to organising committee formed by Dr. Gangaraju and his team. The organising

Ajeya Kallam, IAS

committee was headed by Sri Ajeya Kalam, Krishna Babu, Pravin Kumar all IAS officers of repute. They took time from their hectic professional life in lending their helping hand for the

M.T. Krishna Babu, IAS smooth conduct of the matches. Credit should also be given to the members and office bearers of ACA who stayed in Visakhapatnam on voluntary basis for a month before the

Praveen Kumar, IAS

ODI organising Committee at a press meet ODI organising Committee inspecting the facilities

6464 Committed ACA media and volunteers c ommittee Hardworking ACA curators and groundsmen with Dr. Gangaraju mega event to carry out their responsibilities. ACA is indebted to the police department and State Government departments for their support in making matches a grand success.

The role of media and volunteers is also laudable and the curators and groundsmen deserve a huge pat on their backs. Above all ACA respects the peaceful and sportive crowd of Vizag who came in large numbers and enjoyed the game in true spirit.

BCCI always looks up to ACA to organise games of any magnitude and Dr. Gangaraju and his team obliges BCCI with pride and honour.

65 65 India vs Aus. 20-10-2010. ODI v India at Visakhapatnam on Oct 20, 2010 India won by 5 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)

India vs WI. 2-12-2011 ODI India won by 5 wickets and V. Kohli slams yet another in Vizag

66 66 India vs Nz. 8-9-2012. T20 . The match was abandoned India vs Wi. 24-11-2013 ODI India won the match by due to rain. Yuvi waving the crowd. 2 wickets and V. Kohli gets yet another century

India vs Sri Lanka : T20. 14-2-2016 India vs Sri Lanka : T20. 14-2-2016 Sri Lanka were allout for 82 and India won the game Sri Lanka were allout for 82 and India won the game in 13.4 for the loss of 1 wicket in 13.4 for the loss of 1 wicket

India vs NZ ODI 29-10-2016 In an attempt to promote gender equality, the Indian Victorious Indian team celebrates a brilliant Five cricket team on Saturday sported jerseys with their wicket haul by against the New mothers’ names during the fifth and final ODI against Zelanders . India won with margin of 190 runs. New Zealand in Visakhapatnam.

67 67 Andhra Cricket Association hosted its first- ever historical Test match Dr. Y.S.R. ACA- VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam. The efforts put in by Dr. Gangaraju, late D.V. Subba Rao along with other members resulted in hosting the historical Test match on November 17, 2016 .

Vizag, which is known as a sentimental venue V. Kohli scores brilliant for host team lived upto the omen as the Indian 167 and 81 in the match and deservingly got MOM

Team won Test match on the fifth day of the match. Former legendary cricketers sitting in the commentary box lauded the pitch and the outfield. Former skippers Nasser Hussian and Mike Atherton compared the outfield with Mecca of world cricket - The Lords.

C. Pujara compiled a patient 119 in the first

There is no limit for joy for the cricket lovers of Visakhapatnam and above all to the organising committee members. The victory of Indian team is a true tribute to ACA members and to the hardworking curators, ground staff and other stakeholders. England captain bowled by a by Md. Shami

R. Aswin took 5 for 67 in first and 3 for 52 in second innings Captain Kohli gives ACA a sweet victory in its maiden Test match

68 68 Sunrises vs : 16-4-2015 Rajasthan Royals won the match in a thrilling encounter in the last ball of the match. was declared player of match for his 62 runs of 56 balls

James Faulkner in action who won the game for RR in last ball

Sunrises vs Daredevils. 18-4-2015 DD won the match. J.P. Duminy was declared player of match for his brilliant all round performance of 54 runs in 41 balls and 3-0-17-4 analysis.

Spectacular effort by

Sunrisers vs KKR. 22-4-2015 Sunrisers won the match. was declared player of match for his brilliant 91 runs of 55 balls

Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers : 8-5-2016 Sunrisers won the match with a huge margin. Sunrisers scored 178 and while chasing could manage only 85 runs.

69 69 RPS vs Sunrisers : 10-5-2016 RPS won the match. Adam Zampa bowls second best spell in IPL history with an analysis of 4-0-19-6

Adam Zampa bowls a splendid spell Mi vs Kings XI Punjab 13-5-2016 Kings XI Punjab won the match. MP Stoinis bowls well with an analysis of 4-0-15-4

Jubliant MP Stoinis

MI vs DD : 15-5-2016 MI won the match. bats brilliantly and scores 86 of 37 balls with seven boundaries and six sixers

Krunal Pandya entertains Vizag crowd RPS vs DD : 17-5-2016 Rising Pune Supergiants won by 19 runs (D/ L method). A.B. Dinda was declared for bowling analysis of 4-1-20-3

AB Dinda bowls a brilliant spell

RPS. vs K XI Punjab : 21-5-2016 Rising Pune Supergiants won a thrilling game in the last ball. MSD smacked four sixers in the last over of Axar Patel and won the game for RPS. MSD’s knock was a visual treat for Vizag cricket fans. His love affair with Vizag continues. M.S. Dhoni slams 4 sixers in the last over

70 70 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated Dr. Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Cricket Complex that has picturesque twin grounds in Mulapadu in Krishna District on November 9, 2016. The North ground is named as Devineni Venkataramana and Praneetha Cricket Ground while the south ground is named as Chukkapalli Pitchaiah Cricket Ground.

Mr. Naidu lauded the efforts of the members of ACA headed by Gangaraju for coming up with an outstanding infrastructure at a sleepy village - Mulapadu. He also inaugurated India vs. West Indies women’s ODI and T20 series and spent substantial amount of time interacting with players of both India and West Indies teams.

71 71 Andhra Cricket Association has hosted its first- ever International match between India and West Indies women’s teams in one of the picturesque ground in the world at Mulapadu. India played three ODIs and won all of them comfortably. and were the main performers with

Skippers of Ind & WI Mithaliraj and S.Taylor at the launch of the ODI Series the bat and , and were the top performers in the bowling department . Though the ground was far away from the city, ACA co-ordinators Koka Ramesh, Adminisrative Manager Durga Prasad and their team made an allout effort

Harmanpreet Kaur was on song through out the ODI series with bat

to bring in crowds in huge numbers. Students from women’s colleges came in large numbers and relished India’s whitewash against T20 world champions West Indies .

Jhulan Goswami adds few more wickets to her kitty in ODI’s

ACA Treasurer Sri M.A. Rahim,IRS, handsover trophy to Indian Skipper Mithaliraj The victorious Indian team in ODI series

72 72 Andhra Cricket Association also hosted three T-20 matches between India and West Indies women’s teams at the same venue - Dr. Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Cricket complex, Mulapadu. Reigning World T20 champions West Indies won all three matches and showed their supremacy in the shortest format.

Skippers Harmanpreet and at the toss. The happiest moment for ACA during the series was when its own cricketer S. Meghana made her international debut. The coaches and skippers of both teams lauded the efforts put in by the officials of ACA in organising the event in a professional manner.

S. Meghana of Andhra receiving her Indian cap They appreciated the facilities extended to the both teams. BCCI officials Amitab Choudhary (Joint Secretary ), Rahul Johri (CEO, BCCI ) and M.V. Sridhar (General Manager, Game Development, BCCI) visited the venue and appreciated ACA for The victorious West Indies celebrating the T20 Series victory successfully conducting the ODI and T-20 series.

ACA officials Sri Koka Ramesh presenting ACA Vice President Sri Trinadh Raju presenting a memento to Sri M.V. Sridhar a memento to Sri Rahul Johri

73 73 Ricky Bhui in action against South Africa

Ricky Bhui and Sarfraz appreciating each other Unmukth Chand in action

Baba Aparajit in action Australian skipper in full flow acknowledges the crowd

74 74 Unveiling of pylon for the historic maiden Test match at Visakhaptanam by Hon. Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Dr. Gangaraju and Sri D.V. Subbarao made a valiant effort in several executive committee and AGMs of BCCI in convincing officials to accord the Test status to ACA-VDCA Stadium at Visakhapatnam. As patience always pays, the then president of BCCI Sri N. Srinivasan agreed to send a delegation to the stadium to inspect the facilities. A delegation under the chairmanship of Sri G.R. Viswanath visited the stadium in 2014 and requested ACA to make certain changes as per the requirements of ICC. ACA religiously followed the suggestions of the delegation and upgraded the stadium with the required changes and requested the board for a fresh inspection. BCCI sent another delegation under the chairmanship of Sri Ranjith Biswal and Sri M.V. Sridhar who expressed their satisfaction over the upgradation and submitted a report to BCCI. Subsequently BCCI in its AGM under the presidentship of accorded Test status to Dr YSR ACA -VDCA Stadium. On November 17, 2016, ACA hosted its first-ever historical Test match at Dr. Y.S.R. ACA- VDCA Stadium. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the event by unveiling the plaque. He felicitated the legendary cricketers of India and England as a mark of respect for their services rendered by them for their respective countries. In a nutshell, the never-give-up attitude of Gangaraju and the commitment of his trusted members were instrumental in attaining the Test status to ACA.

75 75 Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu received Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and by Hon. President D.V.S.S. Somayajulu Dr. Gangaraju acknowledging the crowd

CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu addressing the crowd ACA officials felicitate England coach prior to the historic Test match

ACA officials Indian coach Kumble ACA officials felicitate Indian Selection Committee Chairman M.S.K. Prasad

CM N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates legendery CM N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates legendery Ravi Shastri

76 76 Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates legendery legendery V.V.S. Laxman former England Captain Naseer Hussain

Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates L. Sivaramakrishnan

Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitates International legends at Visakhapatnam Anil Kumble

Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu with the Indian captain receives Man of the legendary cricketers Match award in the historical Test match

77 77 Umpiring, Scoring and Video Analysis - once important part of the Game. Emergence of Dr. Ganga Raju as Secretary of ACA, paved way for the prominence of umpires, scorers and video analysts along with development of the game and players. During his tenure, the training and development of umpires, scorers and video analysts were given equal importance along players under the guidance of M.S.K. Prasad. He brought them into the main stream by encouraging candidates from districts and took steps to improve their performance at ACA and BCCI- Former BCCI umpire S. Rama Krishna educating the upcoming umpires

level assignments. During Dr. Gangaraju’s tenure ACA organized many workshops conducted by BCCI for umpires, scorers and video analysts and conducted examinations to them by inviting professionals. The official book on umpiring - MCC Laws of Cricket - was translated by S. Ramakrishna as per the advice of Dr. Gangaraju and MSK. A scorers’ panel was incorporated in 2014 by inviting Mr. Jayapaul, a scorer educator from BCCI Umpires Bhanu Prakash, Ramesh BCCI. Ravikanth Reddy and S. Rama Krishna at umpires’ refresher course

Umpires conclave held at Vizag

78 78 Umpiring, Scoring and Video Analysis - once important part of the Game.

Umpires, scorers and video analysts were encouraged to get qualified in the BCCI examinations and ACA is having 40 umpires on ACA panel out of which four on BCCI panel and 17 are Level-1 umpires accredited by BCCI. There are 20 scorers out of which five were promoted to BCCI panel. There are 9 video analysts on BCCI Panel. Level - A umpires refresher course held at Mangalagiri

Umpires on BCCI Panel- 1. Sri P. Bhanuprakash, Tirupati 2. Sri M. Ramesh Kumar, Visakhapatnam 3. Sri Ch. Ravikanth Reddy, Visakhapatnam and 4. Sri K.Prabhakara Rao, Guntur. To encourage players to take up Video analyst refresher course conducted by BCCI umpiring as a profession, ACA has at Vijayawada

conducted separate examination for retired players and at present ACA is having ex-Ranji cricketers qualified on BCCI Level-1 panel. As of now ACA is having 40 umpires on ACA panel out of which 17 are qualified BCCI Level-1 umpires.

BCCI online scorers workshop held at Vizag

79 79 Andhra Cricket Association has been hailed as ‘Green’ Association purely for the quality of playfields developed across 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The credit should go to the hardworking and dedicated curators and ground staff who are well-trained in every aspect of the development of pitches and playfields. ACA conducts workshops periodically by calling experts from BCCI curators panel like Daljeeth K. Naga Mallaiah Singh and P.R. Viswanath who come and Koka Ramesh Curator ACA VDCA updated ACA curators and groundsmen on BCCI certified curator Stadium the latest research and trends happening in the process of improving the quality of pitches and outfields. BCCI curators’ panel always referred ACA as a benchmark for other units to emulate. ACA also trains curators and groundsmen in handling machinery by calling experts from the manufacturers. ACA proudly boosts that it has in its ranks highly skilled curators and groundsmen who are not only experts in pitches and A. Yella Rao outfields but can also operate and repair N. Krishna Rao BCCI certified curator machines they work with.. Curator ACA Women’s Academy

T. Balaraju K. Madhu C. Adi Babu Curator YSRR Stadium, Curator RDT Stadium, Curator ACA NZ Kadapa Anantapur Academy, VZM

80 80 During the tenure of Dr. Gangaraju, four top cricketers namely K.S. Shahabuddin, Hemal Watekar, D. Kalyan Krishna and L.N. Prasad Reddy called it a day. They served ACA with distinction for many years and played a stellar role in several victories. Recognising their contributoins their respective districts felicitated them in a befitting manner. Dr. Gangaraju also gave them an offer to offer their services to ACA in their areas of interest.

Responding to the felicitation they expressed their gratitude to their district associations and ACA in identifying, nurturing and moulding their careers. They expressed their gratitude to all the officials, coaches and their family members for standing by them during their cricketing careers. ACA wished them happy and healthy life post retirement from First Class cricket.

L.N. Prasad Prasad Reddy, a wicket keeper opening batsman, has served ACA right from junior age groups to seniors with merit. He holds the record of scoring century in each innings in first class cricket against Uttar Pradesh at Anantapur.

He also represented South Zone in Deodhar Trophy. He retired on his own terms and Ananatpur District Cricket Association and ACA felicitated him at RDT Sports Centre . He represented in 53 First Class matches and scored 3001 runs.

81 81 D. Kalyan Krishna A promising fast bower who clocked above 140 Kmph had a fair amount of success in his career, representing Andhra. He represented South Zone in Duleep and Deodhar Trophy. He represented in IPL. An unfortunate injury cut short his otherwise

President Sri D.V. Subba Rao and Secretary Dr. Gangaraju presenting a bouquet to Kalyan Krishna flourishing career. He represented in 51 First Class matches and picked 154 wickets. ACA felicitated him on February 6, 2014 at its Executive Committee meeting in a befitting manner. KDCA officials felicitating Kalyan Krishna Hemal Watekar An opening batsman and an off spinner of high quality has represented Andhra for more than a decade. He also represented South Zone in Duleep and Deodhar Trophy and performed extremely well. Watekar represented for a couple of seasons before he came back to Andhra.

President Sri D.V.S.S. Somayajulu and Secretary Dr. Gangaraju garlanding Hemal Watekar He holds the record for scoring century in each innings against Punjab in Patiala. He was one of the important players in the team that won South Zone Championship in the year 2001. Watekar represented in 73 First Class games and score 2872 runs and got 95 wickets. He was felicitated by the members of ACA in the Hon. Secretary Dr. Gangaraju presenting a general body meeting on June 12, 2015 memento to Hemal Watekar

82 82 KS SHAHABUDDIN Shahabuddin served ACA for more than a decade with his outstanding performances both in and bowling departments. He is regarded as one of the finest allrounders ever played for Andhra. Shahabuddin represented South Zone in Duleep and Deodhar Trophy. He represented IPL for Mumbai Indians. ACA Vice President Sri M.V. Siva Reddy presenting a memento on behalf of ACA to Shahabuddin

Shahabuddin has orchestrated many victories for Andhra as an all-rounder. He was one of the important players in the team that won South Zone Championship in 2001. Shahabuddin represented 80 First Class games and scored 2567 runs and claimed 248 wickets. ADCA President Moncho Ferrer having lighter moments with Shahabuddin and M.S.K. Prasad

On April, 29, 2016 Anantapur District Cricket Association and Andhra Cricket Association felicitated Shabuddin on his retirement at a well- organised function at RDT sports centre at Anantapur.

ADCA officials felicitating Shahabuddin

83 83 Dr. Gangaraju always believed that cricket is a game that is meant not only for its prosperity but also for the entire sports fraternity. Hence he felt that cricket should act as a big brother and support talented sportspersons in the other segments enabling them to bring lau- rels to the State and the country. With this objective in mind he convinced the EC and AGM of ACA to allocate Rs. 30 lakhs per annum to the deserving sportsmen of the State other than cricket. ACA sponsors games like archery, chess, tennis, athletics, weightlifiting . Some of the beneficiaries of the schemes are: (1) Jyothi Surekha - Asian Bronze Medalist in Archery, (2) Chaitanya - Shooting (3) Grand- master M. R. Lalith Babu - Chess (4) Sai Revathi - Powerlifiting (5) A. P. Badminton Association (6) A.P. Athletic Association (7) Cricket Association for Physically Handicapped (8) Cricket Association for blind (9) Acharya Nagarjuna University

Saketh Maineni receiving a cheque from ACA-sponsored Sai Revathi Dr. Gangaraju congratulates ACA-sponsored Dr. Gangaraju with trophies in power lifting Lalith Babu on becoming chess Grandmaster

ACA present a cheque to A.P. Dr. Gangaraju congratulates ACA sponsored Table tennis player Sailu Noor Basha Association Physically Challenged Jyothi Surekha on winning bronze medal in archery at Asian Games receiving a cheque from Dr. Gangaraju

ACA Officials presenting cheque to be ACA sponsors badminton Dr. Gangaraju presenting a cheque to A.P. Badminton Association tournament Karthik, a chess Player

84 Mr. B. Ram Prasad Mr. Mehar Baba Mr. A.G. Pradeep Mr. D. Kalyan Krishna

Dr. Gangaraju and his team recognised the services rendered by former cricketers and administrators. Some of the veteran cricketers and administrators were in need of financial help for medical causes. ACA lead by leader Gangaraju designed a system in which all the needy people were taken care of either by paying the bills directly or by paying monthly allowance for their medical needs . Legendary former cricketers like B. Ram Prasad, Mehar Baba, H. Ramprasad, D. Kalyan Krishna and current cricketers like A.G. Pradeep, G. Saranya were benefitted by this scheme. ACA is also taking care of medical expences of former and present administrators who rendered selfless service to the State. N. Mohan Das, D. Nageswara Raju, N. Prabhakar Rao, Prabhakar Reddy, Rajgopal Yachendra, Niranjan, Gopal Krishna and many others were benefitted by this magnanimous gesutre of ACA .

Mr. D. Nageswara Raju Mr. N. Mohan Das Mr. P. Appala Raju Mr. N. Prabhakar Rao

85 85 Board of Control for Cricket in India is a body which is headed by the most powerful and successful personalities from different walks of life. Honorable members and office bearers of BCCI reach the stage after rendering years of selfless service to

Dr. Gangaraju having a conversation with

their respective state associations. BCCI top brass has recognised the development of game and infrastructure in ACA and deservingly elevated Dr. Gangaraju to various coveted posts in BCCI. Dr. Gangaraju with Shashank Manohar, Anurag Thakur and Rajiv Shukla

He was made the Chairman of the Finance Committee of world’s richest cricket body (BCCI ) in 2014. As the Chairman of the Finance Committee he worked as an ex- officio of all the sub committees of BCCI . He was made the member of Governing Council of IPL in the year 2015. Dr. Gangaraju with Shashank Manohar

86 86 He was made the Chairman of prestigious Programmes and Fixtures Committees of BCCI. In the 86th AGM of BCCI, Dr. Gangaraju was elevated to the coveted post of Vice President of BCCI. A visionary and a thorough professional he was deservingly elevated to such an important post of the the most powerful 86th AGM of BCCI where Dr. Gangaraju was unanimously elected as Vice President of BCCI

cricket body in the world. ACA feels it as an honour that its leader was duly recognised by BCCI.

Owing to Supreme Court Order that has put up age cap of 70 years restriction for BCCI office bearers, Dr. Gangaraju resigned to the post of Vice President with immediate

BCCI President Sashank Manohar, effect respecting the court order. Hon. Secretary Anurag Thakur and Vice President Dr. Gangaraju

Dr. Gangaraju with the other office bearers of BCCI

87 87 Dr. Gokaraju Gangaraju, after making mark in the fields of social service, philanthropy. sports, arts, cultural, religious activities, education and business, made his foray into politics in 2015. Though not a lover of politics, the septuagenarian’s services to the society was duly recognised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and honoured him by giving the Narasapuram Parliament constituency ticket.

Mr. Raju won the hearts of the voters of Narasapuram and romped home with a majority of around 85,000 votes. Like a true leader, Gangaraju is forging ahead taking all necessary steps for the development of his constituency. Dr. Gangaraju has been the chief patron of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the coastal region for a couple decades and was also the National Vice President of VHP for more than two decades. He plays a key role in running Sanskrit school for tribals in the Jeelugumilli mandal in the agency in West Godavari a

pet project of RSS-VHP. He also supports the single teacher schools (Eka Vidyalaya) in 100 schools in slum and tribal areas in Andhra Pradesh for more than two decades. As a senior leader of BJP in Andhra Pradesh, he is making relentless efforts for the development his party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the new State of AP. P.M. Modi congratulates Dr. Gangaraju prodigy and ACA sponsored Jyothi Surekha for receiving Arjunaward.

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