Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) have finally resolved their long-standing dispute over complimentary tickets. After extensive discussions, both sides ultimately agreed to continue the previous arrangement, giving HCA 3,900 tickets.

Agreement Maintains Existing Terms

HCA confirmed in a press release that the resolution follows the tri-party agreement with SRH and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “During the discussions, SRH proposed strictly adhering to the existing tri-party agreement, ensuring that 10% of the available stadium capacity across all sections is allocated accordingly. HCA, in turn, proposed maintaining the existing allocation of passes in each category, in line with the long-standing practice followed over the years,” the statement read. As per this agreement, HCA distributes 2,400 of these tickets to Apex Council members with local club affiliations. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,500 tickets go to police officers, water and electricity department staff, and other government officials.

SRH Accuses HCA of Coercion

However, the dispute escalated when SRH manager Srinath TB accused HCA officials, including its president Jagan Mohan Rao Arshinapally, of using pressure tactics for extra tickets. In an email to HCA treasurer CJ Srinivas, Srinath claimed that HCA locked the F3 Corporate Box during SRH’s last home game against Lucknow Super Giants. Consequently, they refused to unlock it unless SRH provided 20 additional free tickets. “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. It raises serious concerns about the working relationship between our organisations,” Srinath wrote in his email. As a result, SRH warned that if the issue continued, they would escalate it to BCCI and request a venue change. Furthermore, an anonymous HCA official alleged that some members threatened to cut off the stadium’s water and electricity if they did not receive more tickets.

Government Launches Investigation

Due to the severity of the accusations, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy ordered an investigation into the allegations. Consequently, Vigilance and Enforcement Director-General Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy is now leading the inquiry. To resolve the conflict, HCA Secretary R. Devraj met with SRH officials Kiran, Saravanan, and Rohit Suresh at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. After further discussions with SRH CEO Shanmugam, both sides eventually agreed to keep the ticket allocation at 3,900. Finally, HCA assured SRH of full cooperation and promised a smooth IPL 2025 season in Hyderabad.