Special Correspondent
Despite publishing a series of explosive reports exposing alleged irregularities, corruption, nepotism and the entrenched “pay-to-play” culture within the administration of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), this e-paper has chosen to provide a platform to candidates contesting the lone post that will go to polls — Treasurer.
The election has effectively been reduced to a single contest after the Secretary’s position became unanimous when all other contenders withdrew in favour of Jeevan Reddy, Vice President of a pharmaceutical company.
Although the tenure of the incoming Treasurer will last only about six to seven months — merely completing the current election cycle — the post assumes considerable significance. This is particularly in the backdrop of a controversy involving a former HCA President and current minister in the ruling state cabinet, who has reportedly claimed around ₹67 crore in connection with an alleged investment of about ₹4 crore made through his private company during stadium construction.
Against this backdrop, and with the HCA electorate — comprising roughly 170 affiliated clubs after the suspension of 57 clubs under the conflict-of-interest clause — preparing to vote, this publication decided to allow all candidates to present their agenda. Few other media outlets have offered them such space to articulate their plans for reform. — EDITOR
Here are the four contestants who are left in the field for which polls will be held on March 15, 2026.
Dr. R. Harinarayana Rao
A qualified coach and Physical Director at a private college, Dr R. Harinarayana Rao has promised to focus on restoring institutional discipline and respect within the association.
If elected Treasurer, he says he will ensure that club secretaries receive due respect from the HCA administration, while strictly implementing the association’s manuals and Code of Ethics. He also pledges to prevent wrongdoing in the administration and work in coordination with the Apex Council and Governing Body.
Dr Rao says his broader priority will be improving standards of cricket across the city, state and districts, strengthening infrastructure, promoting grassroots development — particularly in women’s cricket — and ensuring that players, coaches and stakeholders receive their rightful support and recognition.
General Talk in the circles
Dr Harinarayana Rao is widely regarded within the cricketing community as a person of impeccable integrity and enjoys considerable respect among stakeholders. Many believe that if given full independence to function, he could bring meaningful reforms to the financial administration of HCA. However, some observers also express concern about whether the group backing him will allow him the autonomy required to implement such changes, or whether the pressures of entrenched interests and pending financial claims could limit his ability to act decisively.
Agam Rao
Representing the Karimnagar District Cricket Association, V. Agam Rao is a Computer Engineering graduate credited with establishing one of the earliest software ventures in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
With the backing of the Apex Council, Rao has outlined a time-bound administrative agenda for the remaining months of the term. His priorities include publishing a realistic HCA budget for 2026–27 by March 31, releasing the annual cricket calendar in alignment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India calendar, and completing internal and external audits well before the Annual General Meeting.
He has also promised to clear pending payments to players, support staff and members, release development funds to clubs as decided in the AGM, introduce health insurance coverage for stakeholders, implement an ERP system for greater transparency, and expand cricketing activities while encouraging greater member participation in administration.
General Talk in the circles
Agam Rao has also recently been credited with successfully organising the Kaka Tournament and is regarded as someone who has played a role in promoting several district players into the state team. Interestingly, he is also seen as a candidate with a point to prove after initially being projected as the Treasurer candidate from a powerful group before being gradually sidelined in favour of another preferred name. Observers believe that this background could motivate him to take some meaningful and independent steps if entrusted with the post.
Babu Rao Sagar
A long-time critic of the HCA system, Babu Rao Sagar entered the contest describing himself as a “rebel” candidate who could no longer remain silent after witnessing what he calls the “massive loot” of association funds by successive office-bearers.
Acknowledging the deep-rooted nature of the problem, Sagar said he has fought legal battles over the years to expose corruption but believes even the system meant to correct these flaws has often failed.
“If given an opportunity — even for six months — I will try to streamline what has become a deeply corrupted system,” he said.
Sagar has promised transparent and judicious use of funds and vowed to pursue action against those who allegedly looted HCA coffers.
He also advocates that nearly 90 percent of the grants received from the BCCI should be spent on cricket development and infrastructure through affiliated clubs, arguing that empowering stakeholders will reduce administrative corruption.
General Talk in the Circles
As an office-bearer, he allegedly secured contracts as a contractor for building internal roads in the stadium and executing certain other infrastructure works. Many accuse him of turning into a habitual litigant whenever he failed to get his pound of flesh, dragging officials to court on various charges that ultimately failed to stand scrutiny. With such a background, many club secretaries openly wonder how anyone can expect constructive work from him.
Dr Anil Kumar
An educationist-turned-cricket enthusiast, Dr. Anil Kumar is believed to enjoy the backing of a state minister who has recently been at the centre of controversy over the stadium investment dispute that has reportedly triggered claims running into tens of crores.
His stated agenda includes:
(a) Transparent Financial Governance;
(b) introducing monthly financial disclosures for all HCA revenues and expenditures;
(c) publishing audited financial statements accessible to all member clubs;
(d) implementing digital and accountable payment systems;
(e) restoring the respect and confidence of members, players, and former players;
(f) development of cricket across Telangana, both in rural and urban areas, with emphasis on junior and senior cricket (men and women);
(g) establishing cricket academies and conducting district- and state-level tournaments;
(h) infrastructure development; and
(i) setting up an Independent Financial Oversight Committee.
General Talk in the Circles
However, conversations within HCA circles suggest a different narrative. It is widely believed that his earlier ambition to contest for the Secretary’s post may have been one of the factors that triggered the push for holding these elections.
After being edged out of the Secretary’s race, he has now entered the fray for the Treasurer’s post. Some stakeholders question whether such a shift reflects political adjustments within the system. They also wonder whether someone willing to accommodate any available position can provide the focused leadership required for a role that demands strict financial discipline and institutional independence.
With the election approaching, stakeholders across the HCA ecosystem are keenly watching which candidate the club secretaries will entrust with the association’s finances during what many believe is a critical and politically sensitive phase in its administration.
