Misuse of cricket funds: TCA demands criminal probe into HCA, claims KTR and Kavitha involved
The complaint named K Kavitha and KTR as key influencers who allegedly controlled HCA from behind the scenes after Telangana's formation
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Misuse of cricket funds: TCA demands criminal probe into HCA, claims KTR and Kavitha involved
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association has called for a criminal investigation against Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) officials, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) and MLC K Kavitha, alleging massive corruption and misuse of cricket funds over the past decade.
Complaint submitted to CID and ED
In their representation to Additional Director General of Police (CID) Charu Sinha and Enforcement Directorate Joint Director Rohit Anand, TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy and President Yendala Laxmi Narayana submitted forensic audit reports, court orders, videos and documents as evidence of large-scale irregularities within HCA.
No infrastructure despite huge funds
They alleged that despite receiving nearly Rs 500-600 crore from BCCI over ten years, HCA failed to build any cricket infrastructure or permanent assets for the association.
Instead, the personal wealth of office bearers reportedly grew exponentially, suggesting blatant misappropriation of funds meant for cricket development in the State.
āK Kavitha and KTR controlled HCAā
The complaint named K Kavitha and KTR as key influencers who allegedly controlled HCA from behind the scenes after Telangana's formation. It alleged that IPL ticket sales contracts were handed to companies linked to KTRās brother-in-law, while catering and travel contracts were awarded to relatives and close associates of Kavitha, KTR and HCA president Jagan Mohan Rao.
Allegations against former director Vanka Pratap
TCA also named former HCA director Vanka Pratap, accusing him of encouraging corruption in team selections, manipulating proceedings and discriminating against deserving players. They cited a report by Justice NA Kakru, former Chief Justice of the AP High Court, who detailed Pratapās fraudulent conduct and arrogant attitude during his tenure.
Despite adverse reports and his suspension by the Justice L Nageshwar Rao committee, Pratap was reportedly nominated to the current HCA committee headed by Justice Naveen Rao, raising further concerns of political backing.
Call for probe into previous HCA regimes
The association urged authorities to probe HCA activities between 2019 and 2022 when former Indian captain Md. Azharuddin served as president. They alleged that his tenure, along with his council members, was marred by corruption and financial irregularities, as highlighted in forensic audits and FIRs filed by the Uppal police.
āCricket funds looted, players exploitedā
The representation further accused HCA officials of exploiting cricketersā parents for money and favours in exchange for team selections, forging documents to gain power and ignoring court orders to facilitate their personal gains.
Appeal for swift action
Concluding their complaint, the TCA officials appealed to CID and ED to initiate stringent criminal action against all perpetrators and conspirators to ensure cricket administration in Telangana remains transparent, fair and free from political and financial exploitation.
