Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested Over IPL Scam Involving Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a major cricketing controversy, Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested headlines shook the Indian Premier League community this week. Jagan Mohan Rao, the President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), was arrested on Wednesday by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Hyderabad. The arrest follows a vigilance probe that unearthed significant irregularities in ticket allocation during the 2025 IPL season.
What the CID Found
The investigation was initiated after multiple complaints surfaced against HCA officials, alleging misuse of authority and black-marketing of IPL tickets. The CID report confirmed that Jagan Mohan Rao, along with other HCA members, was involved in pressuring the IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for more complimentary tickets — many of which were allegedly sold in the black market.
The CID further stated that Rao resorted to intimidation and coercion, including a dramatic incident where he locked a corporate box at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium just hours before a scheduled IPL match. His demand? More complimentary tickets from SRH. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
These actions directly violated the tri-party agreement between BCCI, HCA, and SRH, which legally allows HCA only 10% of the tickets for distribution. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
The SRH vs HCA Conflict
The issue first caught national attention when Sunrisers Hyderabad officially accused HCA of harassment, blackmail, and unreasonable demands during the IPL 2025 season. According to sources within the franchise, Jagan Mohan Rao used his position to extract tickets beyond the agreed quota, even threatening to disrupt match-day operations. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
SRH responded by raising formal complaints to both the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council, urging them to intervene before the situation escalated further. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
In a bold move, SRH warned that they might shift their home base out of Hyderabad if such blackmailing tactics continued. This would have been a major blow to Hyderabad cricket fans and the local economy.
Telangana Government Steps In
Taking the allegations seriously, the Telangana state government ordered a vigilance inquiry. The subsequent report exposed a troubling pattern of corruption, ticket manipulation, and power misuse within the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
As the findings became public, an FIR was registered against Rao and other top HCA officials. On Wednesday, the CID made its move and arrested Rao. More arrests could follow, depending on the ongoing interrogation and additional evidence. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
How the Ticket Quota Works
To clarify, the BCCI’s tri-party agreement provides a strict framework for IPL ticket distribution:
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10% of the total stadium capacity is allocated to HCA as complimentary tickets.
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SRH, as the host franchise, manages the remaining tickets for sales and promotions.
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These complimentary tickets are not to be sold or bartered.
However, under Rao’s leadership, HCA allegedly demanded a much higher share, and several of these tickets were traced to illegal resale platforms. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
Resolution Meeting Between HCA and SRH
Amidst rising tensions, HCA Secretary R. Devraj arranged a crucial meeting with SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Present from SRH’s side were officials Kiran, Saravanan, and Rohit Suresh.
During the meeting, SRH firmly reiterated the need to stick to the original agreement, demanding no more than 10% ticket allocation to HCA. They expressed dissatisfaction over recurring disputes and requested a written assurance from HCA that such tactics wouldn’t be repeated. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
In response, HCA proposed maintaining the earlier practice of allocating 3,900 complimentary passes, a number they argued had historical precedent. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
Eventually, both parties released a joint statement confirming that the status quo would be maintained, and both sides would aim for a more transparent and amicable working relationship.
“HCA and SRH are committed to working together amicably to enhance the spectator experience at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium,” the joint release read.
Broader Implications for Indian Cricket
This scandal isn’t just about one association — it raises serious questions about governance and accountability in Indian domestic cricket. With the IPL generating billions of dollars in revenue, local cricket bodies hold significant power and influence. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
Misuse of that power, especially through coercive ticket scams, erodes public trust and damages India’s cricketing image globally. The BCCI now faces increasing pressure to implement stricter oversight, transparency, and punitive actions for violations by state associations. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
Experts suggest introducing centralized ticketing systems, independent audits, and stronger franchise rights to curb such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested story is not merely about ticketing — it’s a spotlight on how cricket politics, greed, and mismanagement can tarnish the spirit of the game. While the arrest of Jagan Mohan Rao is a first step towards justice, it also calls for a systemic cleanup within the HCA and greater regulatory vigilance from the BCCI. Hyderabad Cricket Body President Arrested
As IPL 2026 approaches, stakeholders across the board must remember: cricket fans deserve transparency, integrity, and a game free from corruption.
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