This publication carries the following allegations as expressed by aggrieved parents and former cricketers, many of whom have chosen to speak strictly on the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals. Their hope rests on the intervention of the retired High Court judge appointed to oversee Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) affairs — a hope that he will finally crack the whip on the alleged “pay-to-play” racket, age-fraud syndicates, and selection manipulation plaguing Hyderabad cricket. As a responsible news platform, we neither endorse nor suppress these claims. We merely provide a space for victims and whistle-blowers to be heard — something the HCA, its truncated Apex Council, and its network of power-brokers have consistently denied them. We owe no explanation to individuals named herein as the views expressed are not the e-paper’s but of the aggrieved parents.. Our duty is to truth, transparency, and fair reportage of the murky, worsening crisis inside the HCA. — Editor
By Aggrieved Parents
Hyderabad cricket is drowning in allegations that would shame even the most corrupt sporting bodies in the country. The mess deepens by every passing day. The latest storm centres around blatant age fraud, forged birth certificates, manipulated Aadhaar details, and a well-oiled broker-selector nexus allegedly controlling entry into the Under-16 and Under-19 teams. The controversy around U23 yet to die and now these issues. And at the heart of the scandal lies one recurring name: Ram Charan Markatta.
Parents allege that Markatta represents the “classic, textbook case” of HCA’s rigged system — two birth certificates with different dates of birth, an Aadhaar that doesn’t match either, and yet not a single question was asked. Despite failing the bone test last year, he reportedly played state matches. Despite failing again this year, he still found himself in the final Under-16 squad. And if that wasn’t enough, he was even pushed into the Under-19 probables, only to be quietly “adjusted” back into Under-16 when things didn’t work out. This story isn’t an exception — it repeats across every age group, with the same playbook, the same beneficiaries, and the same silence from the HCA.
Guru Vidhwan’s name, parents say, belongs in the same bracket as Ram Charan Markatta. Declared ineligible for Under-16 last year, he magically became eligible for the same category this year — a transformation that has left parents stunned and furious.
“How can a boy almost two years older than his category pile up runs against children younger and physically weaker?” asks one outraged parent. “The advantage of strength, size, and experience is obvious. Yet the HCA chose to look away because the political ‘commitment’ had to be fulfilled.”
This, parents say, is the real face of HCA politics — manipulation dressed as merit, fraud presented as talent.
The anger runs deeper. Several players previously banned for age-tampering are quietly back in the system with “clean chits” allegedly issued without disclosure of court orders.
“These frauds,” one parent says, “were banned earlier, but the same officials worked hand-in-glove to bring them back. They’ve represented Under-23, Under-19, and now even Under-16 probables. Their real documents are hidden. Their past is erased. All thanks to HCA power-brokers.”
Parents allege this has become a systematic strategy:
Eliminate competent cricketers, push in coached trainees of private academies, and silence anyone who questions the racket.
One such victim was Manvit Kasarboina, whose elimination earlier this year triggered widespread outrage. His story, too, was published by this paper.
Naming the Syndicate
The most explosive accusations are reserved for the alleged selection mafia.
According to multiple parents, Adnan Bafanna “manages the entire HCA like a personal fiefdom,” operating through a ring of brokers and leaning on vulnerable selectors. Former cricketer Sudeep Tyagi, Sandeep Rajan, and Habeeb Ahmed are all alleged to be part of the same nexus.
Administrators like Daljeet and Basavaraju, parents allege, have been “silenced with money or influence of incompetence,” their cooperation rewarded with positions or security, their dissent punished with marginalisation.
In a stunning revelation reported by one parent, Daljeet himself privately admitted that mistakes were made, that the HCA is drowning in age-fraud scandals and court cases, and that he is “unable to do anything.” Yet he continues to hold office.
“If they cannot act,” a parent insists, “they should resign. Their silence makes them partners in the crime.”
Even more disturbing is the alleged inaction of law enforcement. Though FIRs reportedly include all the key names, parents say no arrests have been made, and not a single court order has been furnished, despite repeated requests.
Uppal CI Bhasker has allegedly done little despite meetings with senior police officials, including CP Sudheer Babu. Investigating Officer Madhu reportedly cites excuses — missing documents, absent officials, leaves and delays — while acting secretary Basavaraju claims court orders exist but refuses to produce them.
“Every time we ask for the orders,” an aggrieved parent says, “they give us a new excuse. It’s been months. How long can they bury the truth?”
Hyderabad cricket now stands at a horrifying crossroads — where children’s futures are traded, merit is mocked, and a nexus of brokers allegedly manipulates the very system meant to nurture talent. And unless the supervising retired judge intervenes decisively, parents fear the sport in Hyderabad will soon collapse under the weight of its own corruption.
