MS Shanker
Fresh controversy is brewing around the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), with growing calls for the state High Court–appointed one-man committee, headed by Justice Naveen Rao, to represent the association in the upcoming BCCI Presidential polls on September 28.
The proposal was put forth by former HCA Secretary Sheshnarayan, who has written to both Justice Rao and the BCCI. He argued that a former judge of Justice Rao’s stature would lend credibility and ensure that HCA’s concerns—such as the demand for more matches to be allotted to Hyderabad—are taken seriously. “In my view, he is the right person to represent HCA and enhance its sagging image. A judge commands respect and can be a better communicator than the truncated body’s Acting President,” said Sheshnarayan.
The precedent, he noted, lies in the Supreme Court–appointed ombudsman Justice L. Nageswara Rao, who had earlier been tasked with cleaning up the HCA amid corruption, nepotism, and conflict-of-interest scandals flagged by the Lodha Committee.
The latest turmoil began with the arrest of HCA President Jaganmohan Rao, Secretary Devraj Ramachander, and Treasurer Srinivas by the state police Vigilance Department following a complaint reportedly lodged by IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. The three were later booked by the state CID after prima facie evidence of irregularities was found. Although they secured bail, their arrest triggered shockwaves in cricketing circles and further dented the association’s credibility.
In their absence, a truncated HCA apex council led by Vice President Sardar Daljit Singh and Joint Secretary Basavaraju suspended the arrested office-bearers and convened an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM, though legally contentious, went ahead—but not without controversy. In a contentious move, the council revoked the ban on 57 clubs previously barred by Justice L. Nageswara Rao for conflict-of-interest violations, allowing them to participate. After uproar from several club secretaries, the decision was hastily rolled back, exposing the administrative confusion within HCA.
The council then attempted to convene a Special General Body Meeting on September 14, but several clubs challenged the move in the Telangana High Court. The petitions remain pending, placing the association under further judicial scrutiny.
Meanwhile, another controversy erupted when a council member allegedly tried to meddle in player selection for the historic Buchi Babu Trophy. The selectors resisted pressure and chose players on merit—a decision vindicated when Hyderabad lifted the trophy for the first time in decades. It was a rare moment of relief for fans weary of infighting.
But peace was short-lived. Ahead of the U-23 tournaments, a council member reportedly blocked the appointment of support staff for state coaches. The matter has been brought to Justice Naveen Rao, who has already been tasked by the High Court to oversee HCA’s functioning. Observers now await whether he will step in to curb what many describe as Hyderabad cricket’s long-standing “pay-to-play” culture.
It is unclear if other club secretaries have also approached the Election Officer with demands on the same issue. Ultimately, the BCCI Election Officer will decide whether HCA retains its franchise vote. The final list of eligible voters is expected by Friday noon.
For now, the future of Hyderabad cricket—and its influence in the corridors of Indian cricket power—hangs in the balance, as fans, stakeholders, and watchdogs await the BCCI’s call.
