TCA Demands CBI Probe into HCA vs Visakha Conspired Deal

– Flags ₹600+ Crore Systemic Irregularities Overall in the last decade as part of the rotten system in HCA.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has demanded a comprehensive Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the controversial Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA)–Visakha agreement, terming it a “classic case of opaque dealings, backdated arrangements, and institutional compromise.”

Reacting to the explosive expose titled “Uppal Stadium Deal: Another Bofors Waiting to Haunt Congress,” TCA stated that the revelations raise serious concerns over financial propriety, governance failure, and possible manipulation of official records within HCA.

TCA General Secretary Guruva Reddy, who is currently spearheading TCA’s battle for affiliation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said the issue is not an isolated transaction, but a reflection of deep-rooted systemic failure within HCA.

“This is not just about one agreement. It exposes a pattern of functioning where transparency is absent and accountability is systematically bypassed,” he stated.

Based on the agreement copy accessed through the expose—which is not available in HCA’s official records or website—TCA raised the following critical questions:

•The agreement is dated October 16, 2004, but payments reportedly began as early as March 2004

•A sum of ₹2.32 crore was allegedly paid before the agreement was formally executed

•On what legal basis were such payments made without a binding agreement?

•Was there an earlier undisclosed agreement that has been deliberately suppressed?

•Why are there no proper approvals, minutes, or records, especially during the transition phase when the stadium was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium?

TCA further noted that the agreement contains highly irregular clauses, suggesting pre-arranged financial commitments and possible backdating of approvals.

Referring to the recent directions of the Bombay High Court, based on BCCI’s July11th 2021 Directive to HCA to work in coordination with TCA for cricket development across Telangana districts, TCA stated that:

“These revelations reinforce the urgent need to restrict HCA’s functioning to Hyderabad and subject its operations to independent scrutiny and oversight.”

TCA alleged that the Visakha deal is only one part of a much larger pattern of irregularities, estimating total financial mismanagement in excess of ₹600 crore.

The association listed widespread governance and financial failures, including:

•Stadium construction and design approvals not meeting international standards

•Lack of statutory clearances, including fire safety compliance

•Alleged “canopy scam” and irregular infrastructure expenditures

•Tax evasions: property tax, income tax, and commercial taxes

•Financial irregularities in:

•Vendor payments

•Staff salaries

•Power bills

•Food and equipment procurement

•Pensions to former cricketers

•Non-compliant audits and unauthorized bank operations

•Withdrawals allegedly made in violation of High Court directions

•Payments to opposing legal counsels

•Irregularities in:

•Team selections

•Sending unauthorized “B teams.”

•Appointment of unqualified individuals as CEO, Ombudsman, and support staff

TCA alleged that a systemic culture of silence has been cultivated within HCA:

“Over the years, voices of dissent have been suppressed, and stakeholders have been systematically silenced. What remains is a structure where accountability is absent, and questioning is discouraged.”

Demand for Immediate Action:

Calling the issue a “potential mega scandal in cricket administration,” TCA demanded:

•Immediate CBI probe into the HCA vs Visakha agreement

•Forensic audit of all HCA financial transactions since inception

•Fixing of personal accountability on officials responsible

•Structural reforms to ensure transparent and decentralized cricket development

Reiterating its mission, TCA stated: “Cricket in Telangana cannot remain confined to Hyderabad-centric interests. We are committed to ensuring transparent governance and equitable development of cricket across all districts.”