HCA president Jaganmohan Rao ousted over forgery, misuse of funds; Amarnath appointed new chief

Hyderabad: In a major development at the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), the Ombudsman has removed HCA president Jaganmohan Rao from office over allegations of forgery, misuse of funds and conduct unbecoming of the association.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, the Ombudsman, ordered his immediate removal and declared Amarnath, who finished runner-up in the last elections, as the new HCA president for the remainder of the term.

Ombudsman’s order: Immediate removal

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait ruled that Jaganmohan Rao’s actions had caused serious damage to the reputation of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

The Ombudsman held that a person who allegedly secured office through forged documents and faces grave corruption charges cannot continue as president. Citing the association’s interests, the order said the top post cannot be kept vacant for long.

Amarnath named president

Amarnath, who lost the October 20, 2023, HCA presidential election by a single vote (62 to 63), has been appointed president for the remaining tenure. He formally assumed charge on Monday at the Uppal Stadium.

Suspension and CID probe

Earlier, HCA had suspended Jaganmohan Rao following his arrest by the CID in connection with allegations that he blackmailed Sunrisers Hyderabad. During the suspension period, vice-president Daljeet Singh had been discharging duties as interim president.

Forged documents allegation

Amarnath approached the Ombudsman alleging that Jaganmohan Rao contested the HCA elections by submitting forged documents as a representative of Sri Chakra Cricket Club.

He pointed to a previous ruling by former Ombudsman Justice L Narasimha Reddy, which held that changing Gowlipura Cricket Club into Sri Chakra Cricket Club was invalid.

The CID, probing the Sunrisers Hyderabad-related case, reportedly concluded that Jaganmohan Rao, then treasurer of Sri Chakra Cricket Club, had created fake documents to contest the elections.

Financial irregularities under scanner

After assuming office, Jaganmohan Rao allegedly awarded catering contracts without tenders and diverted funds running into crores through plumbing works, air-conditioning installations and apparel purchases.

Multiple complaints were filed against him on these counts.

On July 9, 2025, CID officials arrested him and sent him to judicial remand. Though the High Court later granted bail, restrictions were imposed barring his entry into the HCA office and stadiums.

Ombudsman’s observations

Justice Kait noted that even after bail, the restrictions reflected the seriousness of the allegations. He underlined that obtaining office through forged documents and facing severe corruption charges disqualifies a person from continuing as HCA president.

What comes next

With the Ombudsman’s verdict, Amarnath will serve as HCA president for the remainder of the current term, bringing an end to the leadership vacuum and marking a significant turn in the association’s recent history.