Our Sports Desk
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has strongly contested the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) claims regarding the success of the recently concluded TG20 League, raising a series of questions over the tournament’s conduct, governance, player selection and financial transparency.
In an official statement issued by TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy, the association presented a point-by-point rebuttal to what it described as the “tall claims” surrounding the inaugural franchise-based tournament, which featured eight teams and drew encouraging spectator response.
According to the TCA, while the league may have generated public interest, several concerns raised by stakeholders and aspiring cricketers across Telangana remain unanswered.
One of the principal issues flagged by the TCA relates to the legal proceedings concerning cricket administration in Telangana that are currently pending before the Bombay High Court. The association questioned the decision to go ahead with the tournament while these proceedings remain unresolved.
The TCA also alleged that the HCA failed to comply with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s directive dated July 11, 2021, which, according to the association, required the HCA to consult and collaborate with the TCA on cricketing activities outside Hyderabad city. It claimed that no meaningful consultation took place before organising the league.
The association further questioned whether the TG20 League was conducted in accordance with the HCA’s own constitutional provisions, particularly Rules 28 and 30 governing approvals and administration. It maintained that if any procedural violations are established, the matter would warrant examination by the BCCI and other competent authorities under the applicable rules.
The TCA also expressed concern over what it termed the inadequate representation of district cricketers. Although the franchises carried the names of Telangana districts, it alleged that many registered cricketers from those regions were overlooked during player selection.
According to the TCA, available information indicates that several franchises fielded only one district player in their playing XI, defeating the stated objective of promoting grassroots cricket across Telangana.
The association said it had received several representations from aspiring cricketers questioning the fairness and transparency of the selection process. It claimed these concerns were repeatedly brought to the notice of the HCA but did not receive satisfactory responses.
In a more serious allegation, the TCA stated that it had received written complaints alleging monetary considerations in player selections by certain team officials. While not naming any individuals, it called for an independent inquiry by the appropriate authorities into the allegations.
The TCA further argued that the league appeared to have prioritised commercial interests over genuine cricket development. Instead of creating wider opportunities for district talent, it claimed, the tournament functioned largely as a commercial enterprise.
Financial transparency also figured prominently in the association’s statement. It questioned expenditure incurred on the tournament, ticketing revenue, hospitality arrangements and the overall utilisation of HCA funds, asserting that complete financial disclosure and public accountability were essential for maintaining confidence in cricket administration.
Referring to reports that some members associated with the tournament’s governing structure had allegedly spoken of losses of around ₹15 crore even before the competition concluded, the TCA said such claims only strengthened the case for an independent financial audit covering all sources of revenue and expenditure.
The association also sought accountability from all those involved in organising the league, including members of the TG20 Governing Council, the HCA Apex Council and other officials associated with the tournament.
Reiterating its stand, the TCA maintained that cricket in Telangana belongs to aspiring players from every district and should not remain confined to a privileged few. It said it would continue to work towards protecting the interests of district cricketers while advocating transparent, democratic and rule-based administration in accordance with BCCI directions and applicable laws.
The HCA had earlier defended the TG20 League as a landmark initiative for Telangana cricket and highlighted its organisational success, competitive standard and public response. The association is yet to issue a detailed response to the latest allegations raised by the TCA.
Dharam Guruva Reddy has also thrown an open challenge to Agam Rao and any HCA official willing to defend the so-called success of the TG20. He said he is prepared to “tear apart” their claims with facts and figures, exposing what he describes as the much-publicised hype and hoopla surrounding the tournament, particularly the claims of huge crowds attending the matches, including the final.
“Did they provide an opportunity for schoolchildren from far-flung and remote districts to come and watch the matches? If not, why not? Or were the crowds organised the way they are for political rallies?” he asked, concluding with a pointed challenge.
(The allegations and claims reported above are those made by the Telangana Cricket Association in its official signed statement. They have been attributed accordingly. This publication provides space to all stakeholders connected with cricket, including both the Hyderabad Cricket Association and the Telangana.)
