In a new twist to the July 8 elections to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), incumbent President, Arshad Ayub, today withdrew his nomination after seeking for a second term. On a day of unexpected turnarounds, the team india former off spinner said he was opting out because of various reasons and more because he wanted to make way for others. Announcing the decision on the last day of withdrawal of nominations, which saw almost all contenders present at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium that houses HCA, Mr Ayub told reporters that he was going contended that his two-year term was an eventful, but largely fruitful one. Recalling the highs and lows during his stint, he said that the decision to rope in an outsider as the Hyderabad Ranji team coach, Sunil Joshi, had been a rewarding decision.
Mr Ayub said they had completed works in and around the international stadium, barring the canopies, which included landscaping and convention centre that can accommodate at least 2,000 in one go.
Ayub, looking rather relieved, said the biggest contribution during his stewardship was the ten-month brain-storming sessions with people from various walks of life that resulted in amending the Constitution.
He said this had positive gains for the Association. The HCA President said among the negatives was the apparent division in the Executive Committee, which he said was rather hurtful. Controversies erupted essentially because members were functioning as two different groups even in closed-door the EC meetings. Stating that no individual or entity would be comfortable with an ACB probe, Mr Ayub reiterated they had done everything with a sense of integrity and in a transparent manner. Meanwhile, following Ayub’s withdrawal from the race, it is now almost certain that G Vinod would return to the helm-of-affairs. The final list after scrutiny would be put up by the Returning Officer tomorrow. UNI