A Tripura Cricket Association official has confirmed that India cricketers Vijay Shankar and Hanuma Vihari will be switching their domestic teams. Vijay Shankar, previously representing Tamil Nadu, will now play for Tripura starting from the upcoming Indian domestic season.
Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari has signed with Tripura after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). According to ACA sources, Vihari applied for the NOC on Sunday and received it within a day, finalizing the move swiftly.
This transfer also marks the end of his strained relationship with the ACA. Last season, Nara Lokesh, the general secretary of the state’s ruling TDP, had persuaded Vihari against changing teams after he resigned as Andhra captain at the start of the 2023–24 season, amid allegations of “political interference.”
Announcing the move on social media, Vihari wrote:
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to join the Tripura Cricket Association, where I will represent the state across all three formats. I am grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association for their support throughout my journey, but I believe it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently. I am excited for this new challenge and fully committed to giving my best in this next phase.”
New Chapter begins… pic.twitter.com/ufBxmxA8vU
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) August 26, 2025
Vijay Shankar Confirms Move to Tripura Ahead of New Domestic Season
Vijay Shankar announced on August 27 that he will be moving from Tamil Nadu to Tripura for the upcoming Indian domestic season. The right-handed batting all-rounder began his domestic career with Tamil Nadu in 2012 and has since played 58 Ranji Trophy matches, scoring 3,142 runs at an average of 44.25 while batting down the order, including 11 centuries.
In List A cricket, Vijay Shankar appeared in 106 matches for Tamil Nadu, amassing 2,632 runs at an average of around 35, with two centuries. He has also made significant contributions in T20s, scoring 2,454 runs and taking 36 wickets.
“I have obtained the NOC from TNCA but am still waiting for confirmation from the Tripura Cricket Association. I will be able to officially announce my switch once I receive the formal approval letter from Tripura,” Vijay Shankar stated.
The all-rounder has represented India in 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is, including appearances in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Late Tuesday night, a Tripura Cricket Association representative confirmed to Cricbuzz that Vijay Shankar will join forces with Hanuma Vihari for the next domestic season. Tripura is expected to compete in the Elite divisions of the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.