TCA demands CBI probe into alleged Rs 69 crore fraud in HCA

“Several crores of rupees were allowed to be transferred to Visaka Industries instead of being used for the development of Telangana cricketers.”

Guruva Reddy,  General Secretary, Telangana Cricket Association      

Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) General Secretary Guruva Reddy has demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged misappropriation of Rs 69 crore meant for cricket development, accusing the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) management of financial misconduct.

Addressing a press conference in Secunderabad, Guruva Reddy alleged that the funds were diverted in a quid pro quo arrangement involving Visaka Industries and certain members of the HCA Apex Council. He called for strict action against Dr. G. Vivekanand and other HCA officials allegedly responsible for the irregularities.

During the media interaction, Guruva Reddy released documents that he claimed indicate financial irregularities and intentional misconduct by the HCA leadership in handling publicly accountable funds.

While HCA had publicly claimed that it would promote cricket in district regions, Guruva Reddy alleged that the association failed to respond to proposals submitted by the TCA for grassroots development. He further accused the HCA leadership of focusing primarily on funds received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rather than utilizing them for the development of cricket in the state.

Guruva Reddy also alleged irregularities in administrative appointments within the HCA, claiming that a Chief Executive Officer was appointed without proper qualifications and that the current president was selected in violation of established rules.

He further claimed that several crores of rupees were allowed to be transferred to Visaka Industries instead of being used for the development of Telangana cricketers. He cited observations made by Justice L. Nageshwar Rao and a division bench comprising Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice B.R. Madhusudhan Rao regarding the arbitration matter.

Expressing serious concern over multiple financial transactions within the HCA, Guruva Reddy said that the TCA had already submitted complaints to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) last year. However, he alleged that no significant progress had been made in the investigation by either the CID or the state police.Questioning the delay in the probe, he demanded that the case be transferred to the CBI if necessary to ensure a transparent investigation.Guruva Reddy also announced that a fresh representation would be submitted to the CID and the Director General of Police (DGP) on the issue.

He further demanded that the Hyderabad Cricket Association be dissolved and that criminal cases be registered against those found responsible for the alleged financial irregularities.

HCA not cooperative on collaboration

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier directed both TCA and HCA to hold discussions and arrive at a collaborative plan for cricket development in Telangana. A meeting between the two associations was held on February 18 under the chairmanship of Justice Naveen Rao. According to Guruva Reddy, while TCA presented a detailed PowerPoint proposal outlining plans for the development of cricket across Telangana, HCA failed to present any concrete proposal for collaboration. He added that the court had directed both organizations to submit affidavits within four weeks regarding cooperation between the two bodies.Guruva Reddy also criticized the HCA for allegedly ignoring the directions issued by the Supreme Court, the Bombay High Court, and the Telangana High Court concerning cricket administration and development.