Hyderabad: The Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested A Jagan Mohan Rao, President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). This arrest stems from a report revealing significant issues in ticket distribution and governance during the IPL 2025 season.
The investigation started after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy ordered it. Director General Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy led the probe, which uncovered claims of intimidation and blackmail over free tickets and corporate boxes.
The IPL team SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) lodged a formal complaint with Revanth Reddy. They accused Jagan Mohan Rao of pressuring them for extra complimentary tickets and corporate boxes.
The Telangana Vigilance Commission found that Jagan Mohan and other HCA members demanded more free tickets than the agreed 10% limit. They allegedly wanted these tickets for personal sale and unauthorized distribution.
During one IPL match, HCA officials reportedly locked a corporate box to force SRH to give more tickets. Based on this, the CID filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Jagan Mohan and others for misuse of power and improper ticket sales. Jagan Mohan Rao was arrested as part of this investigation.
This arrest is the latest in a series of conflicts between HCA and SRH over the past year. Last season, SRH accused HCA leaders of unprofessional behavior and constant demands for free tickets.
SRH even threatened to move home games away from Hyderabad if the pressure continued. In April, the Chief Minister ordered a vigilance inquiry in response to these issues. The investigation confirmed the use of pressure tactics by the HCA President. After the report was submitted, the CID arrested Jagan Mohan Rao.
