The complimentary passes row between Hyderabad Cricket Association and Sunrisers Hyderabad has been settled after an “in-depth” discussion. Both parties have agreed that the number of passes issued to the HCA will remain unchanged from the previous terms.
“During the discussions, SRH proposed strictly adhering to the existing tri-party agreement between SRH, HCA, and BCCI, ensuring that 10% of the available stadium capacity across all sections is allocated accordingly,” read a press release by HCA.
After in-depth discussion and telephonic deliberations with SRH CEO Shanmugam, the previous terms of issuing 3900 tickets is to continue unchanged. And HCA assured that they would cooperate fully with SRH to maintain an amicable atmosphere for the remainder of the games in Hyderabad.
The Indian Express understands that out of 3900 tickets which are issued to HCA 2400 of them are distributed among HCA Apex council members who own local clubs. The remaining 1500 are distributed among the police officials, employees from the water supply, electricity and other government departments.
Earlier, this publication reported that SRH manager Srinath TB, in an email to HCA treasurer CJ Srinivas, accused the state unit, specifically its president Jagan Mohan Rao Arshinapally, of “intimidation, coercion, and blackmailing” for free complimentary IPL tickets. “HCA Secretary R. Devraj convened a meeting with SRH officials today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. The meeting was attended by SRH representatives Kiran, Saravanan, and Rohit Suresh,” said the release.
Srinath wrote in email that during SRH’s last encounter at the Uppal against the Lucknow Super Giants on the boxes was locked up the HCA officials. “You locked the F3 (Corporate box) box, refusing to open it unless 20 extra free tickets were given to you. Mr Kiran had attempted to address this issue directly with you to prevent escalation, but you still refused to open the box till one hour before the start of the game. This act of threatening and blackmailing for complimentary tickets, just a few hours before the start of our game is not only illegal but also unacceptable as it raises serious concerns about the working relationship between our organizations.”
Srinath has further stated that if the issue isn’t resolved, the franchise would request the BCCI to change its home venues from Hyderabad.
“There has been a demand for more tickets from these officials to HCA threatening to cut off the water supply and current supply to the stadium if their demands for tickets were not met,” said an HCA official speaking to this publication under the condition of anonymity.
Earlier Telangana Chief Minister Reventh Reddy put Director-General (Vigilance and enforcement) Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy to enquire about the allegations made against HCA by SRH.
Get latest updates on IPL 2025 from IPL Points Table to Teams, Schedule, Most Runs and Most Wickets along with live cricket score updates for all matches. Also get Sports news and more cricket updates.
