Sources said tensions escalated when the HCA locked the corporate and VIP boxes at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium after SRH declined to provide an additional 10 percent of match tickets to HCA officials
Published Jul 09, 2025 | 8:23 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 8:23 PM
SRH-HCA ticket row takes new turn: CID takes HCA president into custody (Facebook)
Synopsis: The feud between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) escalated dramatically after CID detained HCA President Jaganmohan Rao and others over ticket allocation disputes. The controversy erupted during an IPL match in Hyderabad when HCA allegedly locked VIP boxes after SRH refused to provide additional tickets beyond the 10 percent already given for free
The ongoing feud between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has taken a dramatic turn, with the CID reportedly taking HCA President Jaganmohan Rao and several HCA members into custody over allegations of harassment and misuse of power.
The dispute, which erupted during the last Indian Premier League (IPL) match held in Hyderabad, centered around a conflict over ticket allocations.
According to sources, tensions flared when the HCA locked corporate and VIP boxes at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium after SRH refused to provide an additional 10 percent off match tickets to HCA officials.
SRH management, which already allocates 10 percent of tickets to the HCA free of cost, said it was pressured to release another 10 percent, allegedly for personal distribution by HCA President Jaganmohan Rao.
When SRH refused to comply—insisting that any purchase of additional tickets must go through formal HCA channels—Jaganmohan allegedly retaliated by creating operational hurdles during matches, including locking VIP sections during the high-profile fixture against Lucknow Super Giants.
In a major revelation, the Telangana Vigilance Department, which was ordered by the state government to probe the incident, has submitted a report confirming that the SRH franchise was “harassed” and “pressured” by HCA leadership.
The report suggests that the actions of HCA officials disrupted match-day operations and posed serious problems for SRH.
SRH, angered by the episode, has reportedly told stakeholders it may consider pulling the team out of Hyderabad if such interference continues.
The franchise’s warning has sparked alarm in sporting circles, with fans and stakeholders urging the government to safeguard Hyderabad’s status as a major cricketing venue.
The vigilance report has recommended stringent action against Jaganmohan Rao and implicated other officials for misuse of authority and attempts to coerce the franchise.
With the CID now involved, further arrests and formal charges are expected in the coming days.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
