Former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, MPs to take part
Our Correspondent
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) will hold a dharna near Indira Park on Saturday to protest against the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) proposed TG20 tournament, alleging a lack of transparency and regulatory approvals in the conduct of the event.
According to TCA General Secretary Dharm Guruva Reddy, the association has obtained police permission for the protest, which is expected to be attended by former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Mahbubnagar MP D.K. Aruna, former MP B.B. Patil, along with several current and former cricketers, cricket administrators and TCA office-bearers.
The TCA has questioned the legality of the TG20 tournament and alleged that the HCA is proceeding with player auctions and franchise-related activities without placing necessary approvals from the BCCI in the public domain.
Guruva Reddy said the association had hoped the HCA would either provide documentary evidence rebutting the allegations raised by the TCA or defer the tournament until all concerns were addressed. Instead, he alleged, preparations have continued, including the conduct of a players’ auction for eight franchise teams.
The TCA has also raised concerns over the venue chosen for the auction, arguing that greater transparency would be ensured if such events were conducted at established cricket venues such as the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal or the Secunderabad Gymkhana Grounds.
Reiterating the association’s stand, Guruva Reddy said the TCA had already made public a 2018 BCCI communication which, according to the association, prohibited a similar private T20 league in Hyderabad. He claimed the TCA possesses documentary evidence supporting its objections to the tournament.
The TCA has appealed to players, club representatives, cricket administrators and enthusiasts to participate in the protest and support its demand for transparency, accountability and adherence to established rules in cricket administration.
