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The Pat Cummins-led SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are contemplating moving their home matches away from the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium due to alleged intimidation, blackmailing, and unprofessional behavior by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) officials over free ticket demands.
According to a Times of India report, SRH’s General Manager, Srinath TB, sent a strongly worded email to HCA treasurer CJ Srinivas Rao, making it clear that the franchise will not tolerate such pressure tactics.
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🏏 SRH vs HCA: What Led to This Conflict?
The tension between SRH and HCA escalated after the franchise accused the cricket body of locking up a stadium box on the day of their match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), demanding additional complimentary tickets.
📢 Key Points from SRH’s Complaint:
✔️ HCA was already allotted 50 complimentary tickets (F12A box) as part of the 3,900 free tickets given annually.
✔️ However, HCA claimed the box only had a capacity of 30 and demanded 20 extra tickets from a different section.
✔️ When SRH refused to meet these extra demands, HCA officials allegedly locked the F3 box, preventing its use unless their demands were met.
This “unprofessional behavior”, as cited by Srinath TB, created a hostile environment, making it increasingly difficult for the franchise to cooperate with the HCA.
📧 SRH’s Strong Response to HCA
In the email sent to HCA, SRH made their stance clear:
👉 “All these unprofessional threats and actions by HCA, especially by the HCA president, make it evident that you don’t want SunRisers to play at your stadium. If that is the case, please let me know in writing so that we can inform BCCI, the Telangana govt, and our management that you wish for us to move to another venue, and we will move.”
👉 “We have been working with HCA for the last 12 years. Only from last season have we been facing constant issues and harassment from HCA.”
This isn’t the first time SRH has faced issues with HCA. The franchise alleges that similar coercion tactics were used in previous seasons, with constant threats from HCA officials to their staff.
🔴 Will SRH Shift Their Home Matches?
With ongoing tensions and repeated issues with ticketing disputes, SRH is now seriously considering shifting their IPL 2025 home matches to another venue. The franchise pays full rent for the stadium and has requested an urgent meeting with HCA’s apex council members to resolve the matter.
While the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has been SRH’s fortress for years, their willingness to move away could significantly impact Hyderabad fans and local cricketing culture.
🧐 What’s Next?
🏟️ Will SRH find a new home venue for IPL 2025?
📢 How will the BCCI and Telangana government respond?
⚖️ Will HCA and SRH resolve their issues, or is a legal battle ahead?
The coming days will be crucial in determining SRH’s home base for the rest of IPL 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!
