Vihari leaves Andhra Pradesh, signs with Tripura for 2025-26 season

Hanuma Vihari has left Andhra Pradesh and signed with Tripura for the 2025-26 domestic season, saying he wants a fresh environment and the chance to play across all three formats. Tripura Cricket Association officials confirmed the one-year deal, which is extendable by mutual consent, and said Vihari received a no-objection certificate from the Andhra Cricket Association.

Vihari, 31, said he made the move after Andhra indicated it was prioritising younger players for T20 competitions, a stance that led him to skip this season's Vijay Hazare Trophy. "I was keen on other opportunities since I believe I am good enough to play all three formats," he told ESPNcricinfo. He added that Tripura approached him and he saw the move as "a challenge worth taking up." Tripura secretary Subrata Dey said the association expects Vihari's signing to boost the team's prospects and help it qualify for knockouts in domestic competitions.

Tripura have recruited Vihari as one of three professionals for the campaign in which the state will compete in the Elite groups in red and white-ball formats. Officials said discussions were ongoing over the remaining professional slots and that names including...