
IPL 2025 | SRH vs HCA: 3,900 complimentary passes issue settled, franchise to stay put
Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) have reached an agreement to maintain the allocation of 3,900 complimentary passes, settling their recent dispute.
On Sunday, Sunrisers Hyderabad accused the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president of blackmail, coercion and threatening its staff at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad.
The SRH team, owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, has also alleged that HCA president Jagan Mohan Rao locked the corporate boxes hours before their game against Lucknow Super Giants (March 27), and has sought a meeting with the association to sort out the vexing issue of tickets and complimentary passes. The franchise even considered relocating its home matches if the issue persisted. HCA denied the allegations.
‘HCA & SRH are committed to working together’
To resolve the standoff, HCA secretary R. Devraj met with SRH representatives Kiran, Saravanan, and Rohit Suresh at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. The discussions focused on adhering to the existing tri-party agreement between SRH, HCA, and the BCCI, which dictates that 10% of the stadium’s capacity is allocated as complimentary passes.
After further telephonic discussions with SRH CEO Mr. Shanmugam, both parties agreed to keep the existing 3,900-pass allocation unchanged.
“HCA and SRH are committed to working together amicably to enhance the spectator experience at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium,” a joint statement said, adding that the HCA has assured SRH of full cooperation moving forward.
SRH entered IPL in 2013, after the previous Hyderabad-based team Deccan Chargers was dissolved due to financial issues. SRH have managed to amass a solid fanbase, and its popularity is growing over the years. David Warner led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL title in 2016. Last year, they came close but lost to a superior Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 IPL final.
(With inputs from agencies)
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