Our Correspondent
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) on Friday intensified its opposition to the proposed TG20 League, releasing what it described as documentary evidence to challenge claims by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) that the tournament has the approval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The development comes days before the scheduled TG20 player auction on Sunday, with the TCA asserting that an official BCCI communication raises serious questions about the legality and authority under which the league is being organised.
In a signed press statement, TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy said courts decide matters based on evidence and claimed the association was placing official documents before the public and authorities for scrutiny.
According to the TCA, the communication relates to an earlier proposal for a Telangana Premier League (TPL) and contains observations that remain relevant despite the tournament being rebranded as the TG20 League.
“If the HCA possesses specific approval from the BCCI for conducting the TG20 League, it should place such approval in the public domain,” Guruva Reddy said, adding that transparency would help remove doubts among players, franchises, investors and other stakeholders.
The TCA argued that any major cricketing initiative undertaken by a state association must conform to the association’s constitution, BCCI regulations and decisions of the general body. It claimed several stakeholders had raised concerns over the process followed in launching the league and sought clarity on the approvals obtained.
Referring to a 2018 BCCI communication that allegedly classified the Telangana Premier League as an unauthorised tournament, the TCA questioned what legal or regulatory approvals had subsequently been secured to legitimise the present TG20 League.
“A mere change of name cannot substitute for formal approval, transparency and constitutional compliance,” the association stated.
The TCA further maintained that it had repeatedly urged the HCA administration to ensure that all cricketing activities were conducted in accordance with applicable rules, court directions and BCCI guidelines.
The association also raised concerns about territorial jurisdiction, claiming that the proposed league encroaches upon areas under TCA’s administration. It maintained that while it supports initiatives aimed at promoting cricket, it would oppose any activity that it believes violates jurisdictional boundaries or established regulations.
Expressing concern over ongoing governance disputes and unresolved issues relating to cricket administration in Telangana, the TCA warned that conducting a large-scale commercial tournament without complete regulatory clarity could expose players, coaches, franchise owners, sponsors and investors to potential legal and financial risks.
The association said it had given the HCA, BCCI, and the Supervisory Monitoring Committee five working days to place relevant records and approvals in the public domain. Failing this, it indicated that it would seek intervention from competent courts and regulatory authorities.
The TCA also cautioned players and stakeholders about possible consequences if the league is later found to be inconsistent with applicable regulations. It said all affiliated units and registered cricketers had been alerted to remain aware of potential legal and disciplinary implications arising from future judicial or regulatory decisions.
The HCA has not yet issued a response to the latest allegations. The TG20 player auction is scheduled to be held on June 7.
