UPCA, ACA approve Saurabh Kumar’s colossal team switch; BCCI approval awaited

Experienced left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar is all set to leave Uttar Pradesh and join Andhra ahead of the upcoming domestic season. Both the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) have given the green light to Saurabh Kumar for the move.

He’s already got the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), clearing the way to join the Andhra side. Now, the spinner just needs a formal go-ahead from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is expected to be given soon.

Saurabh Kumar set to join Andhra ahead of domestic season

The 32-year-old left-arm spinner brings plenty of experience with him. He’s been a consistent performer in the Indian domestic circuit and even earned a place in India’s squad for the England Test series last year, as well as the tours of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

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In his first-class career so far, Saurabh has taken an impressive 324 wickets in 79 matches at an average of just 26.45. One of his standout seasons was 2018–19, when he was one of seven bowlers—five of them were left-arm orthodox spinners—to take 50-plus wickets in the Ranji Trophy.

I am excited to play for Andhra: Saurabh Kumar

Meanwhile, speaking on the move, Saurabh Kumar is thrilled to begin a new chapter with Andhra ahead of the domestic season. He is excited to play for his new team and is hoping to guide them to a title in at least one format and reach the Ranji Trophy final.

Saurabh Kumar was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “I am excited to play for Andhra. I am looking forward to the coming season. I hope to guide Andhra to the title, at least in format, and to the final of the Ranji Trophy.”

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Saurabh Kumar’s Andhra move approved in ACA AGM, BCCI approval awaited

On the other hand, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) held its Annual General Meeting in Vijayawada on Sunday, June 8, where the transfer of Saurabh Kumar was officially approved by the general body. All senior members of the Andhra team, including captain Ricky Bhui, Hanuma Vihari, and KS Bharat, have supported the move to sign Saurabh.

Well, the transfer has been cleared by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), but they are still awaiting the BCCI’s approval. The ACA is now preparing to approach Abey Kuruvilla to get the necessary approval from the BCCI to complete the process.

An ACA official revealed, “The move has been approved, but a few formalities remain. We will be writing to Abey Kuruvilla for the BCCI's approval.”

Andhra struggled across the formats last season

Notably, Andhra had a tough time in domestic cricket last season. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, they won five out of six group matches in Group E but lost to Uttar Pradesh in the preliminary quarterfinal.

Their run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy wasn’t that impressive, as they managed only four wins in seven Group B games and didn’t reach the knockouts.

In the Ranji Trophy, Andhra couldn’t qualify for the knockout stage, winning only one match, drawing three, and losing three games. They finished the season with only 13 points.