TCA Alleges Fraud in HCA 2023 Polls

Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has alleged irregularities in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) elections held on October 20, 2023, calling them unfair and illegal. According to the TCA, 47 institutions were wrongly granted full membership and given voting rights, despite being eligible only as associate members who are not allowed to vote under BCCI norms.

“Around 23 IAS and IPS officers from these institutions cast their votes in the 2023 election, despite being ineligible. As per HCA rules, only cricketers who have played for the institution and are elected by the players’ panel can vote. Instead, department heads and officials were sent, many of whom were not on the approved voter list,” said D. Guruva Reddy, general secretary, Telangana Cricket Association.

He further alleged political interference in the process. “The illegal voting was influenced by those in power at the time. The election officer should not have permitted these votes, but it appears the election was manipulated,” Guruva Reddy said.

“One officer, whose identity I cannot reveal, confirmed there was immense pressure from then ministers K.T. Rama Rao, T. Harish Rao and MLC K. Kavitha to ensure Jagan Mohan Rao’s election as HCA president,” Guruva Reddy added.

The TCA has demanded that the current HCA body be removed and has called for a probe by the CID and Enforcement Directorate, alleging misuse of the system and political influence in the conduct of the elections.