“Our vision is to create a world class league that nurtures local talent, builds strong regional identities, and engages fans across the state”: Chairman of the TG20 Governing Council
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has launched an expression of interest (EOI) for franchise ownership in TG20, its T20 league to be held across the state from June. Matches will be hosted at the Uppal stadium under BCCI regulations, with broadcasts across multiple platforms.
Talking to Deccan Chronicle, Agam Rao, chairman of the TG20 Governing Council, said: “Our vision is to create a world‑class league that nurtures local talent, builds strong regional identities, and engages fans across the state.” The league will run for 21 days, with 32 matches scheduled at two games daily.
The inaugural season will feature eight franchise teams from proposed regions including Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Rangareddy, and Warangal. Final allocations will emerge from competitive bidding.
Franchise rights will cover five years initially, renewable every three years subject to compliance. The minimum bid stands at ₹3 crore annually (exclusive of GST), excluding team expenses. The last date for submission is April 28, short‑listing will be done by April 30, and requests for proposals will be issued by May 1.
Eligibility norms include a minimum of ₹100 crore annual turnover (₹50 crore per entity for joint ventures), positive profit after tax for FY 2023‑24 and 2024‑25, a Telangana‑registered office, and no criminal convictions or conflicts. The governing council, advised by Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, will evaluate applications rigorously.
However, the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) has strongly objected to the proposed league, claiming it violates BCCI directions. It said collaboration between HCA and TCA for cricket development outside Hyderabad is currently under consideration before the Bombay High Court.
In a statement, TCA general secretary Guruva Reddy said any attempt by HCA to conduct a league using district identities, names, or structures without involving the TCA was illegal and unconstitutional. He stated that he had sought urgent BCCI intervention.
Reddy further alleged that HCA had repeatedly displayed inconsistency and lack of credibility in cricket administration, failing to establish meaningful infrastructure or systematic district development over decades. The TCA urged HCA to refrain from conducting any activity in the districts without involving other bodies.
