TCA terms TG20 'illegal league'

HCA should clarify whether it had obtained mandatory approvals from the BCCI and other competent authorities to conduct the TG20 League.

Dharam Guruva Reddy TCA General Secretary 

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) on Wednesday alleged that the TG20 League organised by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) violated BCCI regulations, the HCA Constitution and other governing rules. It also claimed it would soon release documentary evidence relating to alleged irregularities and questionable financial transactions linked to the tournament.

Addressing a press conference, TCA General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy and High Court advocate Ram Kalyan Challa questioned the legality of the league and urged the HCA to respond with official records instead of personal attacks.

Reddy alleged that the HCA should clarify whether it had obtained mandatory approvals from the BCCI and other competent authorities to conduct the TG20 League. He also questioned the appointment of officials under designations such as "Spokesperson", claiming such posts are not recognised under the HCA Constitution or the BCCI framework.

The TCA further sought an explanation regarding what it described as unauthorised bank accounts allegedly operated in connection with the league.

Alleging a lack of transparency in player selection, the TCA claimed talented cricketers from district and rural areas were denied equal opportunities. It also asked the HCA to disclose the number of players selected from the constituency represented by HCA President Vivek Venkataswamy.

Reddy also questioned the participation of film personalities and celebrities in the tournament, alleging it violated the HCA Constitution. He further claimed that the actions of the HCA Secretary, in consultation with an expelled former Andhra Cricket Association official, had adversely affected the interests of women cricketers.

He added that the legality of the TG20 League is currently before the courts and the matter would ultimately be decided through judicial proceedings.

Advocate warns of legal action

High Court advocate Ram Kalyan Challa strongly objected to what he described as derogatory remarks made against members of the legal fraternity by certain individuals.

"We have prepared legal and defamation notices against those who have made defamatory statements against advocates without any factual or legal basis. The notices will be dispatched through registered post tomorrow, and the recipients will have to answer before the law," he said.

Rejecting claims that legal notices had caused losses of around ₹15 crore to the league, Challa termed the allegation "completely false and misleading."

"The legal notices were issued on June 17, while the matches commenced on June 20. If sponsors had allegedly withdrawn because of the notices, the HCA should explain how the tournament proceeded and when exactly the sponsorship agreements were finalised," he said.

The TCA maintained that it would shortly release what it described as documentary evidence to substantiate its allegations and called upon the HCA to respond with facts, records and official documents rather than personal accusations.

This version is tighter, reads like a professional news release, and uses legally safer phrases such as "alleged," "claimed," "questioned," "sought an explanation," and "described as" while preserving the force of the TCA's allegations.