Cricketer Saurabh Kumar Shifts Base From UP to Andhra Ahead of Domestic Season

Saurabh Kumar, a left-arm spinner, has officially announced his move from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh. Both the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) have given their agreement to the alteration, which is now awaiting final Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clearance.

During the five-match Test series against England last year, the 32-year-old was included in India's team but was not utilised as a substitute. In 79 first-class matches, Saurabh has taken 324 wickets for Uttar Pradesh and India A at an average of 26.45, demonstrating his prolificity as a wicket-taker in the domestic circuit. Having been included in squads for both domestic and international tours, including series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and England, Saurabh has also been on the verge of leaving the Indian national team. Even yet, he hasn't yet made his debut in India.

Cricketer Saurabh Kumar Big Switch:

Talking to Cricbuzz, Saurabh said, "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."

In the meantime, on June 8, during its Annual General Meeting in Vijayawada, the ACA formally accepted the move. The transfer was verified by a senior ACA official, who also disclosed that several legalities remain. An ACA official said, "The move has been approved, but a few formalities remain. We will be writing to Abey Kuruvilla for the BCCI's approval"

Notably, prominent Andhra players like KS Bharat, Hanuma Vihari, and captain Ricky Bhui support the move. In contrast, Andhra's domestic season in 2024–2025 was uneventful. The team won five of six group-stage matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), but Uttar Pradesh eliminated them in the preliminary quarterfinal. They won four of their seven games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), however, they were eliminated. They finished their Ranji Trophy campaign with 13 points after winning only one of seven games.

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