HCA vs SRH: Explosive Ticket Tussle Threatens IPL Drama in Hyderabad

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, a buzzing hub for cricket fans, is now the epicentre of a fiery showdown between the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). What started as a tussle over complimentary tickets has escalated into accusations of blackmail, threats, and a potential IPL exodus from the city.

On Sunday,SRH dropped a bombshell, appealing to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council to step in and curb what they call “recurring blackmailing tactics” by the HCA. In a strongly worded email, a top SRH official alleged that HCA President A. Jagan Mohan Rao, along with other officials, has been pressuring the franchise for more free passes, even threatening to derail IPL matches in Hyderabad if their demands aren’t met. “This issue has been recurring, and I believe it requires immediate attention,” the official wrote, hinting that SRH might shift its home games to another state if the standoff persists.

The HCA, however, isn’t taking the accusations lying down. Firing back on Monday, the association denied any wrongdoing in a press release, dismissing SRH’s claims as “incorrect insinuations.” The HCA clarified that President Rao never personally demanded 3,900 tickets per match for himself, as alleged. Instead, they say the request was part of a broader proposal from the Apex Council on February 19, 2025, to allocate tickets to club secretaries. “It is unfair to tarnish the President’s reputation,” the HCA stated, urging SRH officials to “come forward with an open mind” to resolve the dispute.

The stakes are high. With the IPL season in full swing, SRH’s threat to relocate has sent shockwaves through Hyderabad’s cricket community. Fans are left wondering: will their beloved Sunrisers be forced to abandon their home turf over a ticket spat? The franchise’s email painted a grim picture, accusing HCA officials of holding the IPL hostage with their demands. “Unless his demands are met, he will not allow the IPL to take place in Hyderabad,” the SRH official claimed, putting the spotlight squarely on Rao and his team.

As the war of words heats up, all eyes are on the BCCI and IPL Governing Council. Will they step in to broker peace, or will Hyderabad lose its IPL thunder to another state? For now, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium stands at a crossroads—caught between cricket’s glitz and a gritty off-field battle.

Stay tuned for more updates as this IPL saga unfolds!