IPL 2025: SRH allege HCA of giving 'unprofessional threats' over complimentary tickets, ready to move out of Uppal

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium might not be hosting the games of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in future. SRH have alleged receiving threats from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) over complimentary tickets.

Although the team is currently one of the favourites to win the IPL this season having started their season with a bang after scoring above 280 in their opening match there appears to be trouble off the field as SRH general manager, Srinath TB, has alleged threats, blackmailing and intimidation from the association, especially from president, A Jagan Mohan Rao.

“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,” the SRH GM stated in an email to HCA, accessed by The Times of India.

Also Read: Why is Sameer Rizvi not playing in DC vs SRH Match 10?

“For several years, HCA has been allocated 50 complimentary tickets (F12A box), as a part of the 3,900 complimentary tickets. However, this year, you are claiming the capacity of the box to be only 30 and asking for additional 20 complimentary tickets in a different box. When this was brought to our notice, we informed you that we shall discuss and come to a mutually amicable solution. Please note that we pay the appropriate rent for the stadium, and during the tenure of the IPL, the stadium is under our jurisdiction. But in the last game, you locked the F3 box, refusing to open it unless 20 extra free tickets were given to you. This unprofessional behaviour creates a hostile environment, making cooperation increasingly difficult," the mail contained further.

Speaking of the SRH team, they will be playing the first match of the Sunday double header against Delhi Capitals at Visakhapatnam on March 30. This will be the first away game for Pat Cummins' Orange Army in the competition as they would want to come back after a disappointing game against the Lucknow SuperGiants.