Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) on Tuesday alleged political interference and administrative irregularities in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), citing statements made by several former office-bearers as supporting evidence.
In a press statement, TCA General Secretary Dharmam Guruva Reddy claimed that recent remarks by former HCA officials, including former India cricketer Arshad Ayub, ex-secretaries Shesh Narayan and John Manoj, substantiate the association’s long-standing allegations of external influence in HCA affairs.
According to the TCA, these former officials have indicated that the state Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) played a role in the HCA elections, allegedly facilitating the appointment of a president despite a narrow electoral defeat. The association described the situation as a serious breach of constitutional norms governing cricket administration.
Reddy alleged that the HCA administration is in a state of “complete chaos” and called for an investigation by central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). He argued that a fair probe may not be possible through state agencies, citing concerns over their autonomy.
The TCA also raised a series of questions regarding the functioning of the HCA, including the alleged use of political influence in cricket administration, the repeated mention of the Chief Minister’s name in internal matters, and claims that certain individuals are invoking political backing to intimidate complainants.
Further, the association expressed concern over the pace of ongoing investigations, alleging that complaints submitted over the past two months have seen little progress. It also questioned whether investigative agencies such as the CID have been allowed to function independently in the matter.
Dismissing claims by some HCA officials that there are no pending legal disputes, the TCA asserted that the association is currently involved in more than 20 cases across various High Courts and the Supreme Court. It also alleged that HCA has been disregarding directives issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The TCA warned that such developments could undermine the credibility of cricket administration reforms introduced following the Supreme Court-mandated Lodha Committee recommendations.
Reiterating its demand, the association called for a comprehensive probe by independent agencies into alleged financial irregularities, fraudulent practices, questionable memberships, unauthorized leagues, and the purported misuse of political influence within the HCA.
