New Delhi: Tensions are rising between the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL franchise and the Hyderabad Cricket Association regarding complimentary tickets for the 2025 season. This disagreement jeopardizes the team’s continued presence in Hyderabad.
Following allegations against the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), prompting a vigilance inquiry ordered by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, there is growing uncertainty regarding the future location of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) cricket team, owned by Kavya Maran.
Kavya Maran, actively involved in SRH management and a regular attendee at their matches, is closely following the unfolding dispute. SRH has formally complained to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) about alleged harassment to the distribution of complimentary tickets. This complaint is documented in a letter sent from SRH management to the HCA secretary, outlining claims of undue pressure from the association.
SRH’s long-standing 12-year partnership with HCA includes an annual provision of 3,900 complimentary tickets. Fifty of these were traditionally allocated to the F12A corporate box; however, a seating reduction in the F12A box this season has lowered its capacity to 30.
Following a reduction in ticket allocation, HCA reportedly requested 20 additional tickets from a neighboring corporate box. SRH claims they proposed further discussion to find a mutually agreeable solution. However, during a subsequent game, HCA allegedly locked the F3 corporate box, demanding the tickets as a condition for unlocking it.
“This is not the first time HCA has resorted to such pressure tactics. Over the last two seasons, our staff has faced numerous difficulties due to HCA’s conduct. We have repeatedly brought these issues to their attention. This year, even the HCA President issued threats on multiple occasions.
Their behaviour suggests that they do not want Sunrisers Hyderabad to play at this venue. If that is the case, we will consult with the BCCI, the Telangana government, and our management to consider shifting to another venue,” wrote Srinath, SRH’s General Manager (Sports), in the letter.
After allegations surfaced, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy initiated an investigation into the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), expressing his disapproval of their actions. The HCA denies these claims, asserting they received no relevant letter from Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, the Chief Minister’s intervention and subsequent investigation lend weight to the accusations.
Neither Kavya Maran nor her father, Kalanithi Maran, have publicly commented on the situation. Her attendance at the Sunrisers Hyderabad match in Hyderabad on April 6th is uncertain, and the match itself may be relocated if the matter remains unresolved.
An ongoing disagreement within HCA has prompted concerns about its governance. The results of a current investigation will significantly impact the association and future IPL matches held in Hyderabad. The inquiry’s findings and subsequent actions by relevant authorities are closely awaited.
