Why don’t you curb corruption in member associations? Telangana HC asks BCCI as it weighs CBI probe into HCA affairs

Hyderabad: Even before the euphoria over the Champions Trophy win could sink in, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was clean bowled by the Telangana High Court on a swinging corruption yorker.

Telangana High Court asked BCCI why it was not curbing corruption and financial irregularities in member associations. The Court was hearing a writ petition (WP) titled Telangana Cricket Association vs. State of Telangana.

During the hearing, the Court said: "The bench is inclined to order CBI investigation." The Court sought BCCI’s objections/ suggestions because the CBI probe may trigger pan-India investigations. “Keeping the reputation of Indian Cricket in mind, BCCI is asked to file its affidavit. The matter has been posted for April 3,” the bench said.

The remarks came at a time when the Indian Cricket team won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. It reinforced the ever-growing popularity of the sport and underscored Team India's dominance in International Cricket. The BCCI complimented the team with a cash price of Rs 58 crore, as an acknowledgment for hard work and dedication.

Why Court is inclined towards a CBI investigation?

Supreme Court had entrusted retired Justice Nageshwar Rao to sort out the impending issues and ensure fair and proper elections in the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

In his 59-page report, Justice Nageshwar exposed the dark underbelly of the HCA. The report, a copy of which is in NewsMeter's possession, concludes that the HCA was being mismanaged, which resulted not only in rampant corruption but also in the deterioration of the game's standards in Hyderabad.

Major Corruption allegations:

Travel:

A probe into the bank statements, transaction, and forensic report revealed that there were several issues identified in the travel booking process. The travel agent charged higher prices in 81 sample instances. Despite bookings being marked as `canceled' on the airline's website, the travel agent charged the full ticket price in some instances.

There were also cases of multiple bookings for the same person in different cities. Additionally, the travel agent included ticket costs for the former Vice President's wife (name not mentioned), and there were unexplained expenses for the former Vice President's trip (name not mentioned) to the USA. Multiple invoices were submitted for the same booking reference.

Accommodation Expenses:

An international travel agent `Vyravi International Travel Services’ issued invoices totaling Rs 14.68 lakh for accommodation for Under-19 Vinoo Mankad trophy, Ranji, and Under-19 Women’s teams. However, Rs 4,23,000 was charged for accommodation in Kochi during a period when no matches were scheduled.

The matches for the Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Tournament began on October 9, 201,5 in Vizag for the Hyderabad team, as indicated by a limited public domain search.

Catering Expenses:

Discrepancies were observed in the invoices and quantity supplied. Almost five different vendors contracted by HCA to provide catering services for several matches either showed higher prices in their invoices than the original price charged multiple times for the same event, or raised invoices parallel to another vendor for the same event.

Star Mercantile:

An excess amount of Rs 5 crore was paid without a bank guarantee on the same day as an advance for the roof canopy contract, which is contrary to the terms of the agreement.

Dress Material Expenses:

An amount of Rs 25,35,686 was potentially misappropriated by HCA for the dress material purchased from a vendor `TK Sports’. It was distributed among the EC members during FY 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.

Diesel Expenses:

During FY 2014-15, FY 2015-16, and FY 2016-17, advance payments were made to the vendor `Mahmood Filling Station' for diesel supply, totaling Rs 56,33,628.

However, the HCA did not maintain a consumption register for the diesel. Sample invoices from Mahmood Filling Station indicated their address as `8-3- 235/6 Yousufguda Check Post, Yousufguda, Hyderabad — 500045'. And the station was approximately 17 kilometers away from the stadium.

Public domain searches revealed that Mahmood Filling Station was part of Mahmood Group, with the same address and contact number. It was also noted that Farhan Adnan Mahmood, the son of Adnan Mahmood (an Executive Committee Member), was listed on the medical insurance policy document for FY 2015-16.

These allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. There are several accusations regarding various contracts, inflated invoices, and exorbitant maintenance costs including payment in cash for excess baggage and medicals of office bearers. The allegations are nothing short of a spider web of corruption.

The crux of cricket- a power Game

Speaking to NewsMeter, a member of TCA, preferring anonymity, said: “BCCI, as a parent body to state associations, initiated reforms a decade after Justice RM Lodha Committee recommended new constitution came into existence with the approval of the Supreme Court. HCA was supposed to represent the entire Telangana state as per the BCCI's discretion. However, HCA never catered or bothered to cover the entire state, and therefore TCA came into existence,” he said.

He noted that TCA is fighting lock, stock, and barrel against HCA to seek jurisdiction of the state outside Hyderabad city as agreed by BCCI in July 2021.

"However, it was later ignored by both BCCI and HCA. TCA also received complaints about irregularities in HCA. It reported the matter to the authorities, the state government, and investigating agencies. A writ petition was also filed in the Telangana High Court seeking a CBI investigation into HCA affairs. The bench seems satisfied with the evidence. It has shown an inclination to order a CBI probe. BCCI is duty-bound to comply with the investigation,” he said.

He said the ultimate goal and objective of the Indian cricket body cannot be met unless the entire geography and population get a transparent and level playing platform. “It is only possible when young bodies like TCA, with a proven track record of accountability, are recognised. Awarding punishment to culprits is the crux to control corruption and monopoly in BCCI and HCA,” he said.

It may be recalled that the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau began an investigation into HCA after filing the FIR. In the meantime, the Enforcement Directorate, Hyderabad Zone, which was investigating another case of graft, attached a flat of a former HCA officer bearer.

Enforcement Directorate, Hyderabad Zone, attached properties worth Rs 51.29 lakh in the case of misappropriation of funds of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) by its office bearers.

The office bearers gave contracts for the supply of cricket balls, bucket chairs, and gym equipment to Sara Sports, Excellent Enterprises, and Body Drench India, respectively, at highly inflated prices.

The illicit financial gains received by the suppliers were transferred to Surender Agarwal (former vice president and treasurer of HCA) and his family members as a quid pro quo.

Based on a complaint, the ED investigation revealed that as quid pro quo, Sara Sports transferred Rs 17 lakh to KB Jewelers, a proprietorship firm of Surender Agarwal’s wife as well in the personal bank account of Surender Agarwal’s son, Akshit Agarwal by layering the same through the bank accounts of several entities on the pretext of sponsoring a music show, event management, etc.