IPL 2025 - SRH, HCA Resolve Complimentary Ticket Dispute 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) have reached an amicable resolution regarding the allocation of complimentary passes for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, putting an end to a contentious dispute that had threatened to disrupt the franchise’s home matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

The agreement, finalized during a meeting on Tuesday, ensures that the existing allocation of 3,900 complimentary passes to the HCA will remain unchanged. This decision follows a period of tension between the two parties, which escalated when SRH accused HCA officials of employing “blackmailing tactics” to secure additional free tickets. 

The franchise had even threatened to relocate its home games if the issue persisted, prompting intervention from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council.

The meeting, convened by HCA Secretary R. Devraj, saw representatives from SRH, including key officials, engage in detailed discussions to address the standoff. SRH proposed adhering strictly to the agreement between SRH, HCA, and the BCCI, which mandates that 10 percent of the stadium’s capacity across all sections be allocated as complimentary passes. 

"We didn’t want to escalate the matter any further. Already so much damage has been done, and it is not in either party’s interest to keep the matter pending. Hence, we had a meeting today and amicably sorted out the issue," Devraj said as quoted.

The HCA, in response, advocated for maintaining the long-standing practice of distributing 3,900 passes across various categories, a system that has been in place for years.

"Following in-depth discussions and further telephonic deliberations with SRH CEO Shanmugam, the following resolution was agreed upon: The category allocation of 3900 complimentary passes to HCA will remain unchanged, consistent with established practice,” the press release stated.

"HCA has assured SRH that they will fully cooperate with SRH in a professional manner. With this meeting, we have resolved all our outstanding issues. HCA and SRH remain committed to working together amicably to enhance the spectator experience at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium," it added.

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Complete Details of Dispute Between SRH and HCA

The dispute had its roots in an earlier incident during SRH’s home match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), when HCA officials allegedly locked a corporate box, refusing to open it unless SRH provided an additional 20 complimentary tickets beyond the agreed allocation. 

SRH’s General Manager, Srinath TB, had detailed these allegations in a letter to HCA Treasurer CJ Srinivas, accusing HCA President Jagan Mohan Rao of intimidation and coercion. The franchise claimed that such actions had become increasingly common over the past two seasons.

The controversy gained further traction when Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ordered a vigilance inquiry into the matter, tasking Director General of Vigilance and Enforcement Kothakota Srinivas Reddy to investigate SRH’s claims. The state government warned of strict action if the allegations were substantiated, adding pressure on both parties to resolve the issue swiftly.

SRH's Performance in IPL 2025

SRH, the last year's runners-up, started the season with a bang, scoring 286 runs in their 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, the Pat Cummins-led side then succumbed to successive defeats versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), respectively.

Hyderabad will be aiming for a comeback in their next match scheduled against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 3 at the Eden Gardens.

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