National News: In a significant enforcement action, the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has taken Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President A. Jagan Mohan Rao and four senior officials into custody over grave accusations of financial mismanagement and administrative lapses. This move comes in response to an official complaint lodged by IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.
As per CID sources, the others taken into custody include HCA treasurer C. Srinivas Rao, CEO Sunil Kante, and two additional senior members. A high-ranking official confirmed, “They have been detained on charges of fund diversion, poor governance, and other related violations.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad Alleges Ticketing Pressure and Threats
The controversy emerged during the 2025 IPL season, when Sunrisers Hyderabad accused HCA of using coercive tactics to demand extra complimentary tickets. In a letter sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council, the franchise claimed it faced undue pressure and intimidation from HCA officials. They even warned that continued harassment could compel them to shift their home fixtures to another state.
In response to these accusations, HCA President Jagan Mohan Rao denied any wrongdoing. He maintained that the association had made no such demands and that all actions taken were in line with regulatory procedures.
Chief Minister Orders Investigation; CID Acts
Taking the matter seriously, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ordered a detailed probe into the allegations. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in sports administration and vowed that any misuse of power would face legal consequences.
The arrests made by the CID are believed to be a direct result of this investigation. Authorities are now conducting a deeper inquiry into the financial operations of the HCA, aiming to uncover the full scope of alleged embezzlement, mismanagement, and possible corruption.
Further Scrutiny Likely for HCA’s Financial Dealings
With the arrests now made, the Telangana CID is expected to examine HCA’s financial records from the past several years, including sponsorship agreements, ticket revenues, and internal audits. Investigators are particularly focused on whether public or BCCI-granted funds were misused and if there was any collusion between officials and external entities. Legal analysts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, the accused may face strict punishment under financial fraud and anti-corruption laws. Moreover, the case could serve as a landmark example, prompting stricter regulatory scrutiny of state-level sports associations nationwide.
