The Inter-District T20 League being conducted by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), and sponsored by State Minister Vivek Venkata Swamy, violates BCCI Rule No. 38 on Conflict of Interest. “BCCI regulations clearly prohibit direct or indirect interference by ministers in cricket administration or operations,” said Dharam Guruva Reddy, General Secretary, Telangana Cricket Association. Moreover, any cricket activity or development programme undertaken by HCA is subject to compliance with the BCCI order dated July 11, 2021, and the Bombay High Court direction dated March 21, 2025. Proceeding with the league while bypassing these binding directions is illegal and unconstitutional.

There is also a serious commercial conflict of interest. A dispute is currently pending between HCA and Visakha Industries, a company owned by the Minister’s family, in which the firm claims ₹67 crore is due from HCA under an arbitration matter. In such circumstances, it is questionable how the Minister’s company can sponsor an HCA tournament while simultaneously claiming disputed dues from the association. Additionally, all HCA bank accounts are reportedly blocked. This raises concerns about where the sponsorship funds will be deposited and to whom they will be paid.

As per existing BCCI and court directions, HCA must consult the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) before conducting any cricket activity or development programme outside Hyderabad city. Without TCA’s involvement, HCA should refrain from interfering in district-level cricket.

The involvement of a serving minister—who is also an HCA member—in organising a tournament in his father’s name constitutes a clear violation of BCCI conflict-of-interest norms. While personal philanthropic activities are permissible, holding official engagements with HCA while alleging outstanding dues creates a serious ethical and regulatory conflict.

An inquiry by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the BCCI is sought. The proposed G. Venkata Swamy Inter-District T20 League should be scrapped, as it was not approved by the BCCI in 2018 and violates the BCCI Constitution.

Representations have been submitted to the BCCI, HCA’s SMC Justice Naveen Rao, and BCCI Ombudsman Justice Mishra, seeking immediate intervention to halt the league.