Hyderabad Cricket Association President Arrested Over IPL Ticket Scam

10 July, 2025

The president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Jagan Mohan Rao, has been arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an alleged ticket scam during the IPL 2025 season. Rao and other HCA officials are accused of intimidating the SunRisers Hyderabad franchise for extra complimentary tickets and then black-marketing them. The arrest followed an inquiry ordered by the Telangana government after SRH filed a complaint about blackmail and pressure from the association officials.

Unpacked:

What specific actions led to the arrest of HCA president Jagan Mohan Rao?

Jagan Mohan Rao was arrested for allegedly intimidating the SunRisers Hyderabad franchise to obtain extra complimentary tickets, then selling those tickets on the black market. He and other HCA officials were also accused of locking a corporate box to demand more tickets and breaching agreements on ticket allocation.

Were any other Hyderabad Cricket Association officials implicated or arrested in this case?

Yes, along with Jagan Mohan Rao, other HCA officials including the general secretary of Sri Chakra Cricket Club, Rajender Yadav and his wife Kavita, HCA treasurer C.J. Srinivas Rao, and CEO Sunil Bose Kante were also arrested in connection with the ticket scam and related charges.

What broader impact has this scandal had on the Hyderabad Cricket Association and local cricket governance?

The scandal has intensified scrutiny of corruption within the Hyderabad Cricket Association, with former cricket figures like Mohammad Azharuddin calling for the body to be disbanded. It has raised concerns about governance, transparency, and the relationship between the association and IPL franchises.

What prompted the Telangana government and law enforcement to get involved in the investigation?

The Telangana government ordered an inquiry after SunRisers Hyderabad filed a complaint alleging blackmail, intimidation, and coercion for extra tickets by HCA officials. This, along with a separate complaint about election forgery and fund misappropriation, led to a CID investigation and subsequent arrests.

Source