1,340 cricket balls for Rs 1 crore: The allegations behind arrest of Hyderabad Cricket Association president

By | July 11, 2025
Hyderabad Cricket Association scandal cricket ball scam

A massive financial scandal has rocked the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), leading to the arrest of its president A Jagan Mohan Rao. The case involves questionable purchases, election fraud, and misuse of IPL privileges. As the investigation deepens, Indian cricket’s governance faces tough questions.

What Sparked the Arrest?

On July 9, 2025, Telangana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested HCA President Jagan Mohan Rao, Treasurer C J Srinivas Rao, and CEO Sunil Kante. This action followed a complaint filed in June by D Guruva Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Cricket Association. The FIR accuses the trio of financial fraud, forgery, and intimidation.

Rs 1.03 Crore for 1,340 Balls

One claim stands out—HCA allegedly spent Rs 1.03 crore to buy 1,340 cricket balls for the 2024–25 domestic season. That means each ball cost nearly Rs 7,700. Even top-quality match balls don’t cost that much. The CID says no tenders were issued, no records maintained, and no proof exists for such a purchase.

This is more than just poor budgeting. Investigators believe the transaction was designed to funnel money without accountability. If true, it reveals a blatant misuse of public trust.

Rs 2.32 Crore Misused Across the Board

The cricket balls are just one example. The CID has uncovered alleged irregularities across several contracts. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Air conditioners: Rs 11.85 lakh
  • IPL plumbing work: Rs 21.7 lakh
  • Electrical materials for IPL: Rs 6.85 lakh
  • Catering for events: Rs 31.07 lakh
  • Player apparel: Rs 56.84 lakh

None of these expenses followed proper procedure. Authorities claim HCA officials bypassed tenders and handpicked vendors. Many of the vendors allegedly had links to the officials involved.

Forged Membership to Win the Election

The allegations don’t stop at financial misdeeds. To contest the HCA elections in 2023, Rao needed valid membership in an affiliated club. Investigators say he forged documents to claim membership with Sri Chakra (Gowlipura) Cricket Club.

The CID arrested two club officials, C Rajender Yadav and G Kavitha, for helping with the forgery. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of the entire election process.

IPL Tickets Used for Power Play

Another serious allegation involves the misuse of power during the IPL 2025 season. According to the FIR, Rao demanded extra complimentary tickets from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), beyond the 3,900 tickets allocated per match.

When the franchise refused, he reportedly locked a VIP corporate box just before the SRH vs LSG match. Officials view this as an attempt to pressure the team into giving in.

Such behavior, if proven, goes far beyond mismanagement. It signals an intent to abuse power for personal gain.

Legal Charges and Penalties

The arrested HCA officials face charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code:

  • Forgery: Sections 465, 468, 471
  • Breach of trust: Section 409
  • Cheating: Section 420
  • Misuse of property: Section 403
  • Criminal intent: Section 34

If found guilty, they could serve lengthy prison terms and lose their right to hold any official position in Indian cricket.

The CID has placed the accused in judicial custody. They continue to examine financial records, electronic data, and vendor contracts.

Voices from the Cricket Community

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-HCA president Mohammad Azharuddin spoke out strongly. “This is not just a money issue. It’s about restoring dignity and fairness in cricket,” he said. He also urged the BCCI to disband HCA and start fresh.

Other senior officials and fans have echoed his demands. Many are calling for tighter controls and regular audits across all state cricket associations.

The Deeper Issue: Lack of Transparency

The Hyderabad scandal reflects a larger pattern seen in many Indian sports bodies. Despite having rules, many associations ignore transparency. Budgets are rarely audited, and elections often face disputes.

The BCCI has mechanisms to monitor regional bodies, but they are not enforced rigorously. This case shows how unchecked power can lead to systemic abuse.

For cricket to thrive at all levels, its administrators must be as disciplined as its athletes.

Conclusion

The Hyderabad Cricket Association scandal isn’t just a local story. It highlights deeper cracks in how Indian cricket is managed. With over Rs 2.32 crore under question, this case may trigger long-overdue reforms.

Cricket isn’t just a sport in India—it’s a national passion. It deserves leaders who are honest, accountable, and focused on the game’s growth. This arrest should serve as a wake-up call for all who govern the sport.