Special Correspondent
At a time when Hyderabad cricket is already reeling from administrative chaos, parents of aspiring cricketers and the remaining upright, law-abiding affiliated club secretaries have made a direct and urgent appeal to the Hon’ble High Court–appointed Ombudsman, Justice Naveen Rao. Their plea is simple, constitutional, and non-negotiable: restore the supremacy of the General Body and ensure strict adherence to the letter and spirit of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Constitution.
For decades, the HCA has functioned on one fundamental principle—the General Body is the highest authority. Every structure, every committee, every decision flows from this foundational mandate. Yet, in recent months, this principle appears to be eroding at an alarming pace. Serious concerns have emerged that the General Body is being systematically sidelined, and decisions with far-reaching consequences are being taken without the consent, knowledge, or participation of the membership that forms the core of the institution.
- The General Body Is Being Marginalised
Several members allege that crucial decisions—whether relating to bye-law changes, committee formations, disciplinary issues, or membership actions—are being taken without convening the General Body. This practice not only contradicts the Constitution but effectively undermines democratic governance within the Association.
- A Truncated Apex Council Acting Beyond Its Mandate
The Apex Council was created to manage day-to-day administrative functions, nothing more. Yet, stakeholders point out that the truncated Council is now making decisions that only the General Body is constitutionally empowered to take. Any action that goes beyond routine administration—particularly those altering rights of members—falls strictly outside its jurisdiction.
- Questionable Formation of Committees and Member-Related Actions
Multiple members have expressed disquiet over individuals or sub-groups allegedly forming committees or altering membership positions without statutory approval. Under the HCA Constitution, no committee—formal or informal—can amend bye-laws or initiate membership changes without explicit ratification by the General Body. Any such move, if undertaken, would have no constitutional validity.
To re-establish democratic governance and rebuild the trust that has collapsed over the past year, the following corrective measures are essential:
- Every decision taken by the Council must be made available to all members. Without transparency, accountability does not exist.
- Members have the right to know the status and nature of proceedings involving their Association—especially when these litigations directly affect the functioning of the HCA.
- No committee should be created, reconstituted, or empowered without prior approval from the General Body.
- Before any amendment is even considered, the need, purpose, and justification must be placed before the General Body for deliberation and approval. Only then can a review committee be legitimately created.
A matter of serious concern voiced by several members is the perception that external influences may be attempting to steer HCA decisions at a sensitive juncture when multiple cases are pending adjudication. Reports suggesting that individuals with political or institutional influence are attempting to shape outcomes—even through intermediaries—have severely shaken public confidence.
These are allegations from stakeholders, not facts. Yet, their very existence underscores the need for scrupulous neutrality and constitutional fidelity on the part of the Ombudsman.
Justice Naveen Rao, a judge with an impeccable record and a reputation for firmness, has been entrusted by the High Court with the responsibility of protecting the HCA Constitution, not diluting it. The cricketing community sincerely hopes that he will continue to uphold the same standards of judicial independence that marked his tenure on the Bench—particularly by identifying and distancing the process from power brokers or intermediaries seeking undue influence.
Members and parents alike are disappointed that issues such as age fraud, irregularities in the selection process, and allegations of unethical practices have not seen decisive corrective action. Serious allegations from parents—that certain selectors are demanding money from average-performing players for team berths—have intensified fears that pay-to-play culture may be taking root.
The recent dismal performances of several age-group teams, according to stakeholders, are a direct reflection of these systemic failures.
If these allegations, made repeatedly by parents and club officials, have even a fraction of truth, they warrant strict investigation, criminal proceedings wherever applicable, and permanent removal of the individuals involved.
The HCA cannot be revived through cosmetic moves or compromised governance. What is required is:
- Identification of power brokers attempting to influence administrative or judicial processes.
- Immediate legal action against anyone engaged in corrupt practices, age fraud, or manipulation of selections.
- Full-fledged investigations by the appropriate authorities.
- If permitted by law and ordered by competent judicial or investigative bodies, scientific examinations to uncover concealed criminal networks.
Cricket in Hyderabad has suffered enough at the hands of vested interests. The High Court took the extraordinary step of appointing an Ombudsman to ensure reform, not regression. It is now imperative that the Constitution prevails, the General Body is restored to its rightful position, and democratic governance returns to the HCA without delay.
Hyderabad’s young cricketers deserve nothing less than a transparent, accountable, corruption-free cricket administration—and this is the moment to reclaim it.
