Our Correspondent
Hyderabad: Fresh allegations of irregularities in the distribution and use of complimentary IPL passes by the Hyderabad Cricket Association have surfaced after a reported operation by the Uppal Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) against the illegal sale of match tickets near the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
According to sources, the Special Operations Team (SOT) of the Uppal Police carried out a targeted operation following specific inputs about the black-market sale of tickets during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. A group allegedly involved in selling match tickets at inflated prices was detained.
While official confirmation from the police is still awaited, preliminary information suggests that the probe may have unearthed a wider network.
Unverified reports indicate that during questioning, the detained individuals allegedly disclosed that some of the tickets being sold were sourced from the complimentary quota issued by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) to its affiliated club secretaries. Each affiliated unit is understood to receive a fixed number of passes—reportedly around 12 per match—meant strictly for internal distribution and not for commercial use.
Sources within the cricketing fraternity have raised concerns over the absence of a transparent and verifiable system to track the allocation and utilisation of these complimentary passes. Allegations persist that several club secretaries either do not receive their entitled quota or are sidelined by more influential members within the system. Calls are now growing for the HCA to maintain a proper, auditable register to trace the end-use of every pass issued.
In a related grievance, former cricketers and even a former international umpire have expressed disappointment over being denied complimentary access. One such official, speaking to this publication earlier, recalled waiting for hours at the Gymkhana Grounds for a pass, only to return empty-handed, raising further questions about the prioritisation in pass distribution.
Police officials could not be reached for comment, reportedly due to deployment commitments linked to match-day security for the fixture between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. It may be noted that the stadium falls under Uppal Police jurisdiction, contrary to some misleading claims circulating on social media.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of longstanding allegations surrounding governance and transparency within the HCA. Concerns have repeatedly been raised about practices such as the alleged monetisation of club privileges, including claims of sub-leasing club operations and irregular fee collections from aspiring cricketers. These allegations remain subject to investigation and have not been conclusively established.
In a significant development earlier, the Telangana High Court directed the state government to constitute a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to examine multiple complaints related to the functioning of the HCA. The SIT is expected to function under the supervision of a court-appointed ombudsman or supervisory authority, with former judge Justice Naveen Rao entrusted with oversight responsibilities.
The court-monitored probe is likely to examine a range of issues, including allegations of “pay-to-play” practices in team selections, financial irregularities in club administration, and the utilisation of funds meant for cricket development. The reported ticket-sale racket, if substantiated, could form an additional dimension to the ongoing scrutiny.
Observers note that the credibility of the association hinges on the outcome of these investigations. Any confirmed misuse of complimentary passes—considered a privilege extended for the promotion of the game—could invite disciplinary action, including potential de-recognition of erring members.
For now, officials maintain that due process must be followed and that conclusions will depend on verified findings from the police and the SIT inquiry.
