TCA seeks BCCI recognition

Former players also demanded transparency regarding the utilization of BCCI funds for infrastructure, academies and grassroots development outside the state capital

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Cricketers and coaches from across Telangana have strongly demanded that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) grant full recognition to the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA), alleging continued neglect of district-level talent in favor of a Hyderabad-centric system. Representing 32 districts, 80 revenue divisions, over 22,000 registered cricketers, and more than 300 league teams, TCA members staged a protest on Tuesday. They claimed that while cricket is thriving in villages and small towns across the state, all major administrative decisions and opportunities remain concentrated in Hyderabad.

The cricketers accused the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) of failing to provide fair representation to district players in the Ranji Trophy, age-group teams, and other professional pathways, despite receiving substantial financial support from the BCCI over the years. Former players also demanded transparency regarding the utilization of BCCI funds for infrastructure, academies and grassroots development outside the state capital. “The floodlights may shine brightly over stadiums, but the future of district cricketers still remains in darkness,” the players remarked, describing the issue as a systematic denial of equal opportunity to rural and district youth.

They also raised serious objections to the proposed TG20 League, alleging that it lacked necessary approvals and was being organized in a manner that sidelined district players through Hyderabad-only selections. Criticising the functioning of the HCA, speakers including Gopal Sharma, Ram Challa, Jhansi, Jaypal, Mahender Reddy and Veeresh Goud said that “nothing has changed in the last 20 years.”

They pointed out that several other states have more than one recognised cricket association and questioned why Telangana was being denied a proper statewide structure. The TCA has urged the BCCI to immediately grant full membership to the association, stressing that they are seeking recognition and equal opportunities for Telangana’s district cricketers, and not financial assistance.