Vinoo Mankad Trophy winners felicitated at TG20 closing ceremony in Hyderabad
Synopsis
Hyderabad's Vinoo Mankad Trophy-winning Under-19 squad received a standing ovation at the HCA TG20 closing ceremony — the same players who lifted a national trophy were competing in the state's biggest-ever domestic league. Vijay Deverakonda called TG20 'the biggest tournament after the IPL,' and the cultural spectacle that opened the evening made clear this was about more than cricket.
Key Takeaways
Hyderabad Under-19 team , winners of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy , were felicitated at the HCA TG20 closing ceremony on 12 July .
The ceremony was held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium before a packed crowd.
Captain Aaron George and teammates Alankrith Rapole , Wafi Kachchhi , and Nipun Reddy all featured in the inaugural TG20 season.
Brand ambassador Vijay Deverakonda called TG20 'the biggest tournament after the IPL.' The evening opened with five Telangana folk traditions including Kolatam , Lambadi Dance , and Oggu Dollu .
TG20 Governing Council members Jeevan Reddy , Agam Rao , and Sanjeev Reddy attended the finale.
Hyderabad's Under-19 cricket team, fresh from their Vinoo Mankad Trophy triumph, were honoured at the closing ceremony of the Hyderabad Cricket Association's (HCA) TG20 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 12 July. The felicitation, held before a packed house, celebrated the squad's national-level achievement and signalled the HCA's intent to build a robust pipeline for young talent.
Championship Squad in the Spotlight
Several members of the title-winning side had featured prominently across the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 season, demonstrating Hyderabad's depth in age-group cricket. Aaron George, who captained the Under-19 side to the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, represented the Ranga Reddy Risers in the league alongside Alankrith Rapole. Wafi Kachchhi had a standout campaign with Anvita Khammam Aces, helping the side reach the final. Nipun Reddy gained valuable exposure with Palamuru Strikers.
HCA's Talent Development Vision
The recognition underscored the Hyderabad Cricket Association's commitment to creating a clear pathway from age-group cricket to senior domestic competition. By providing the Vinoo Mankad champions a platform to compete alongside experienced domestic players in the TG20, the HCA is accelerating the development of the state's most promising prospects. Notably, this is the first season of the Sreenidhi University TG20, making the dual celebration — a league final and a national trophy felicitation — all the more significant.
Grand Cultural Showcase Opens the Evening
The closing ceremony began with a sweeping Telangana cultural showcase featuring five distinct folk traditions: Kolatam, Lambadi Dance, Bonalu Kolatam, Bathukamma Dance, and the thunderous Oggu Dollu. The performances offered the packed crowd a vivid tour of the state's cultural heritage before the on-field action commenced.
What Dignitaries and Celebrities Said
Performer Rahul Sipliganj described the experience as unlike anything he had seen in Telangana before. 'Performing at the Sreenidhi University TG20 has been an amazing experience. I used to watch the Super Bowl, where artists perform in the center of the ground. I'm seeing something like this for the first time in Telangana, and performing in front of a packed crowd is an honour,' he said.
Actor and league brand ambassador Vijay Deverakonda added, 'TG20 is officially the biggest tournament after the IPL and that is all down to the HCA, our superstar players, and the people of Telangana, who have made this possible. I'm so proud to witness what we have achieved here throughout the tournament. The atmosphere feels great and I'm glad this state has such a big league.'
TG20 Governing Council members Jeevan Reddy, Agam Rao, and Sanjeev Reddy were among the dignitaries present at the grand finale. With the curtain down on the inaugural edition, attention now turns to how many of these Under-19 stars cement a place in next season's squads.
Point of View
But the proof will be in how many of these Under-19 players graduate to senior Hyderabad Ranji duty within two seasons. Vijay Deverakonda's claim that TG20 is 'the biggest tournament after the IPL' is ambitious marketing, but the packed stadium and the cultural spectacle suggest the HCA is building something with genuine public resonance in Telangana.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team won the Vinoo Mankad Trophy that was celebrated at the TG20 closing ceremony?
The Hyderabad Under-19 team won the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and were felicitated at the HCA TG20 closing ceremony on 12 July at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
Who captained Hyderabad to the Vinoo Mankad Trophy triumph?
Aaron George captained the Hyderabad Under-19 team to the Vinoo Mankad Trophy title. He also represented the Ranga Reddy Risers in the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 season.
What is the Sreenidhi University TG20?
The Sreenidhi University TG20 is a domestic cricket league organised by the Hyderabad Cricket Association in Telangana. Its inaugural season concluded with the closing ceremony on 12 July, which doubled as a felicitation event for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy winners.
What did Vijay Deverakonda say about TG20?
Vijay Deverakonda, the league's brand ambassador, said TG20 is 'officially the biggest tournament after the IPL,' crediting the HCA, players, and the people of Telangana for making it possible.
What cultural performances were held at the TG20 closing ceremony?
The closing ceremony featured five Telangana folk traditions — Kolatam, Lambadi Dance, Bonalu Kolatam, Bathukamma Dance, and Oggu Dollu — offering a showcase of the state's cultural heritage before the on-field proceedings.
