SRH Vs HCA: CM Revanth orders probe into allegations of blackmail over free tickets by HCA

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed his ire over the ongoing issue between the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and the IPL cricket team Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Taking serious cognizance of the allegations of blackmail over tickets levelled against the HCA officials by the IPL team, Revanth Reddy reportedly ordered a vigilance probe and directed Vigilance DG Kothakota Srinivas Reddy to investigate the issue thoroughly. He also made it clear that stern action would be taken if any HCA personnel were found to have pressured the SRH administration over complimentary passes.

What is the fight between HCA and Sunrisers Hyderabad?

The row began when HCA representatives withheld access to a viewing box at the stadium on the day of the SRH-LSG match on March 27 (Thursday). The SRH management reportedly sent an email to HCA in which they made it clear that they would not tolerate such behaviour by the HCA. In the email, SRH general manager Srinath TB accused HCA of blackmailing for extra IPL complimentary tickets, especially by its president A Jaganmohan Rao.

The SRH management even claimed that corporate box access was blocked on March 27 until additional free passes were given. For several years, HCA has been given 50 complimentary tickets (F12A box) as part of the 3,900 free tickets. However, this year, they claim that the box has a capacity of only 30 and requested an additional 20 complimentary tickets in another box. In this regard, the F-3 box was locked during the last match on March 27.

However, the HCA denied receiving any official complaint from SRH and called the reports a false campaign. The HCA has denied receiving any official correspondence from SRH about these claims. HCA president Jagan Mohan Rao said that no official emails were received from SRH and argued that the accusations were part of a hostile campaign to harm the association’s reputation.