TCA Seeks Action Against HCA Over U-14 Selection Irregularities

The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has launched a strong attack on the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), accusing it of violating High Court orders, defying BCCI directives, and engaging in what it described as “fraudulent and exploitative” practices during the recently held Under-14 selections.

In a statement, TCA alleged that the HCA failed to issue public notifications or officially inform TCA about district-level trials. Despite lacking district infrastructure, HCA reportedly summoned all U-14 aspirants to Secunderabad’s Gymkhana Grounds, where nearly 3,500 students—some travelling more than 250 km—arrived with their parents, only to face “chaotic and inhumane conditions”.

TCA questioned how thousands of boys could be trialled in a single day for a state-level selection, bypassing the required district-match process. It argued that the U-14 age group is not a recognised BCCI tournament and claimed the HCA had “no legitimate purpose” for collecting such a large volume of personal data.

Calling the exercise a “blatant violation of BCCI rules, High Court directions and Justice L. N. Rao reforms”, the TCA alleged that data collected from children would be diverted to HCA-linked private academies “for commercial exploitation”. It termed the process “data theft with criminal intent”, saying it contravenes provisions of the forthcoming National Sports Governance Bill, 2025.

TCA also criticised HCA Administrator Justice Naveen Rao, stating that “no meaningful reform” had taken place under his supervision. It questioned why similar open selections were not held for Ranji Trophy or higher age groups if the method was considered legitimate.

Accusing the HCA of “criminal misconduct” and “destroying the careers of young cricketers”, TCA urged parents not to “fall into the trap” of unregulated trials. It also alleged that HCA continues to maintain a monopoly over cricket in Telangana, noting that the state, despite a population of 3.5 crore, has only 210 clubs and a single mixed league in Hyderabad.

The TCA announced upcoming initiatives, including the Telangana Premier League in 2026, expanded schools and colleges tournaments, and the Telangana Gold Cup 2025 from 21 December. It demanded immediate cancellation of HCA’s registration and warned of a “mass agitation” if the government fails to act, adding that it will soon meet the Chief Minister and senior BCCI officials to press its case.