Agri fields acting as cricket grounds, leaders sponsoring tournaments in villages

ADILABAD: Agriculture fields are turning into cricket fields while political leaders are sponsoring cricket tournaments and winning cups in Adilabad district.

Political leaders are using their flags at the events in villages and towns with a view to getting closer to the youth as the election season is approaching.

Recently, a Congress leader sponsored a cricket tournament styled as Vedma Bojju Cup and donated prizes in Utnoor.

Several agriculture fields have been converted into cricket grounds and mostly the BRS or BJP flags were planted as boundaries. Party flags are also tied to the top branches of trees.

Party leaders bear all the expenditure for the cricket tournament. Sometimes, the leaders or organisers would collect voluntary donations from the local villagers.

BJP leaders of Gudihathnoor conducted a cricket tournament in which a large number of youths from neighbouring villages too participated with their teams.

A few days ago, BRS leaders organised a cricket tournament near Thosham village. The ground was decorated with BRS party flags.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Adilabad district Congress working president Vedma Bojju said local youths approached the party leaders and sought a donation or sponsorship for the event.

Cricket tournaments are likely to increase in number in the coming days and could touch their peak during the summer.

Abdul Faheem, captain of the winning team New Star XI in Utnoor, said leaders were coming forward to sponsor cricket tournaments and this was giving opportunities for budding cricket players to enter the field.