In a landmark move, Praneesha Gorentla has marked her name in history as the first woman curator of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). This significant milestone was achieved when she received the official appointment letter as an assistant curator from HCA secretary R Devraj.
Praneesha, 29, expressed her delight at this career-defining opportunity, highlighting her ambition to become a certified curator under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “It is a huge boost to my career,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey from being a talented all-rounder in Hyderabad’s senior team to her current role.
After an ankle injury ended her cricket career early in 2017, Praneesha’s love for the sport didn’t fade. “The injury was disappointing, but it sparked my interest in becoming a curator,” she explained. This motivated her to learn about pitch preparation through online resources like the Mumbai Cricket Association’s website.
With support from her father, Gorentla leased land in Warangal to establish a turf wicket ground. This venture aimed to provide local youngsters with the opportunity to play on high-quality pitches before reaching Hyderabad. Despite initial challenges in finding the perfect wicket composition, she successfully hosted a few matches. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her plans to a halt.
Her return to Hyderabad, following her parents’ transfer, paved the way for her to join the HCA ground staff. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, as former Indian cricket captain Purnima Rau and others recommended her to HCA officials. This endorsement led to her inclusion in the association’s fold earlier this year, supported by senior figures like Jagan Mohan Rao.
Praneesha acknowledges the guidance of experienced curator YL Chandrasekhar in deepening her understanding of pitch preparation and outfield maintenance. Her involvement in major events, including the India-England first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and IPL matches, highlights her growing influence in the field.
Jagan Mohan Rao praised Praneesha’s commitment and work ethic, emphasizing her positive impact on the team. “She has a lot of interest and I like her attitude for hard work,” he remarked.
As she continues to make strides in her career, Praneesha Gorentla stands as a trailblazer in cricket administration, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations in the process.