Kavya Maran and SRH Proved Right! HCA chief Jagan Mohan Rao arrested for IPL 2025 Ticket Distribution Controversy

Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President Jagan Mohan Rao has been arrested by CID in connection with a controversy surrounding the distribution of IPL tickets.

The arrest follows a complaint lodged at the Nallakunta Police Station, alleging irregularities and black marketing of tickets for matches held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

Police investigations reportedly found evidence that tickets meant for complimentary or official distribution were instead diverted and sold on the black market, depriving fans of access despite claims of full capacity.

Rao's arrest marks another blow to the HCA, which has been marred by administrative turmoil and governance issues in recent years. The incident has reignited public scrutiny over the functioning of the association, particularly during high-profile events like the IPL.

The arrest follows a report submitted by the Vigilance and Enforcement Wing to the Telangana State government, highlighting alleged irregularities in ticket distribution and administrative conduct during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Kavya Maran and SRH Proved Right!

The preliminary findings reportedly corroborate serious allegations made by IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Rao and the HCA. The accusations include intimidation, coercion, and blackmail over complimentary tickets and access to corporate boxes.

One major incident cited by SRH involved Rao allegedly locking a corporate box just hours before the team's match against Lucknow Super Giants on March 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He is said to have demanded 20 additional complimentary tickets, directly violating the tri-party agreement between SRH, the HCA, and the BCCI. Under this agreement, the HCA is entitled to 3,900 complimentary tickets, representing 10% of the stadium's capacity.

SRH, amid the controversy during IPL 2025, also vowed to shift their base away from Hyderabad, but the incident didn't progress further after that. Kavya Maran and the Sunrisers have now been proved right, as the HCA chief has been booked for various offences.