BCCI Ombudsman and Ethics Officer Justice Arun Mishra has issued a notice to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), directing it to file a response within four weeks after a governance complaint alleged violations of the BCCI Constitution and the governance framework approved by the Supreme Court.
The order follows a complaint filed by former cricketers, including Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) cricketer Gourav Sharma, alleging that the HCA failed to comply with key provisions of the BCCI Constitution and the reforms introduced following the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee recommendations.
Ombudsman seeks HCA’s response
The order requires the HCA Apex Council to submit its reply within four weeks. It also directs that copies of the complaint and the notice be served on the association, while permitting the complainants to file a rejoinder within seven days after the HCA submits its response.
The allegations will now be examined through the Ombudsman’s process once the association files its reply.
Complaint raises governance issues
The complaint alleges that amendments made to the HCA Constitution are inconsistent with mandatory provisions of the BCCI Constitution and the governance framework endorsed by the Supreme Court.
It also raises concerns relating to Rules 3(b), 3(c) and 3(d), including membership classification, territorial jurisdiction, recognition of state associations, eligibility requirements, sanctions and the derecognition of cricket grounds.
In addition, the complaint alleges that the HCA failed to meet mandatory annual disclosure obligations to the BCCI, including the submission of information relating to office-bearers, governing body tenures, audited financial statements and balance sheets.
Membership structure under scrutiny
Another allegation concerns the HCA’s membership structure, with the complaint claiming that institutional entities and recreational clubs were granted full membership despite the BCCI Constitution restricting such organisations to associate membership.
Among the entities named in the complaint are Secunderabad Club and Fateh Maidan Club, whose membership status will form part of the Ombudsman’s examination.
The notice does not determine the merits of the allegations. The matter will proceed after the HCA files its response, following which the complainants will have an opportunity to submit a rejoinder before any further action is considered.
