TCA issues notices over TG20 League in Hyderabad

Metro India News | Hyderabad

The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has issued legal notices to actor Vijay Deverakonda, businessman Venkatesh Naidu, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, and Indian cricketers Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma over their association with the proposed TG20 League, alleging that the tournament is being conducted without mandatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday, TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy questioned the legality of the league and warned that those promoting or participating in an unauthorised tournament could face consequences under BCCI regulations.

Reddy alleged that HCA had not produced any documentary evidence showing prior approval from the BCCI to conduct the commercial T20 league. He said BCCI rules require state associations to obtain approval well in advance before organising such events and challenged the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) to make public all permissions and communications obtained from the Board.

He expressed concern that the promotion of an allegedly unapproved league could mislead young cricketers and place the careers and eligibility of participating players at risk.

The TCA leader also questioned the participation of Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma and sought clarification on whether all regulatory requirements had been fulfilled before the league was launched.

Reddy further contended that HCA's jurisdiction is limited to Hyderabad and that it has no authority to commercially use the name “Telangana” for franchise-based cricket activities. He questioned the use of Telangana district and regional identities for franchise branding and ownership.

He also raised concerns over the involvement of politically connected individuals in some franchises and called for transparency regarding ownership patterns, funding sources and decision-making processes.

Alleging that certain franchise operations were being influenced by business interests from outside Telangana, Reddy said local cricketers and stakeholders should not be sidelined in commercial cricket ventures conducted in the state.

The TCA demanded that HCA disclose all BCCI approvals, franchise ownership details, funding structures, player and sponsor contracts, and compliance documents relating to BCCI regulations.

Stating that the association was committed to safeguarding the interests of Telangana cricketers, Reddy said TCA would pursue all available legal remedies before judicial and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the governing framework of Indian cricket.