Hyderabad Cricket Association president arrested by Telangana CID for ‘fraud, misappropriating funds’

By | July 10, 2025
Hyderabad Cricket Association stadium image during IPL match

Hyderabad, July 10, 2025 — The Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president A. Jagan Mohan Rao and four top officials. They face charges of fraud, cheating, forgery, and misuse of ₹2.32 crore in public funds.

CID officials said the accused manipulated the HCA’s 2023 elections using forged documents and fake memberships. The arrests followed weeks of investigation and a complaint filed by the Telangana Cricket Association.

Rao’s Rise and Fall

Jagan Mohan Rao once promised to reform Hyderabad cricket. But now, he stands at the center of a massive scandal. Along with HCA’s treasurer, CEO, and two others, Rao was taken into custody on July 9.

The CID began investigating after TCA’s general secretary filed a complaint in June. He claimed Rao used fake documents to qualify ineligible members. These members helped Rao win the HCA elections unfairly.

CID officers confirmed the irregularities. They collected evidence that showed deliberate manipulation and illegal financial dealings.

SRH Alleges Blackmail Over IPL Tickets

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the IPL team representing the city, accused HCA of using intimidation during the 2025 season. The team reported that HCA officials locked a corporate box during a March match. They allegedly demanded 20 additional complimentary tickets beyond the agreed limit of 3,900.

SRH called it a clear attempt to blackmail. The Telangana government launched a vigilance probe after receiving the complaint. Officials found evidence that supported SRH’s claims.

Azharuddin Calls for Immediate Action

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin urged the BCCI to dissolve the current HCA setup. “This is not one person’s wrongdoing. The entire association needs cleansing,” he said.

Azharuddin also blamed the lack of oversight for the ongoing crisis. “Unless reforms are implemented, these problems will continue,” he added.

Fallout and National Implications

The HCA is one of India’s oldest cricket associations. Its legacy includes greats like M.L. Jaisimha, V.V.S. Laxman, and Azharuddin himself. But the scandal has seriously damaged its credibility.

Cricket fans and stakeholders now demand reform. Many believe the BCCI must intervene. They suggest appointing an independent committee to oversee the HCA’s daily affairs until new elections take place.

Sports analyst R. Kaushik said the scandal proves that governance reforms remain incomplete. “The Lodha reforms had clear goals. But some state units continue old, corrupt practices,” he noted.

Legal Process and Ongoing Investigation

The arrested officials will appear before the court for remand proceedings. CID officers have also started tracing the ₹2.32 crore that went missing. They believe part of it was siphoned into personal accounts.

Investigators are examining digital records, bank transfers, and internal memos. They expect more arrests if additional evidence emerges.

Local players and coaches worry the crisis will halt player development and tournaments. Many fear delays in trials, training camps, and ground maintenance.

A Wake-Up Call for Indian Cricket

This case highlights how unchecked power can damage a sport’s foundation. Forged memberships, ticket rackets, and financial misdeeds show a complete breakdown of ethics in cricket governance.

If authorities fail to act now, public trust in the system may disappear. The scandal offers a rare chance to clean up cricket administration in Telangana—and across the country.

The BCCI must lead this effort. Strong oversight, fair elections, and transparency are essential. Only then can cricket regain the respect it once held in Hyderabad.being challenged—and perhaps, finally, dismantled.