The TG20 League, a new T20 competition being organised by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), has seen its commercial launch complicated by fresh legal scrutiny after actor Vijay Deverakonda was named Brand Ambassador of the tournament. According to an ANI report, the Telangana Cricket Association has issued legal notices to Deverakonda, actor Venkatesh, and cricketers Mohammed Siraj, Tilak Varma and Ambati Rayudu over their reported association with the proposed league.
Legal scrutiny follows TG20 League promotion
The legal notices centre on concerns raised by the Telangana Cricket Association over the league’s regulatory status. The association has alleged that the Hyderabad Cricket Association is conducting tournament-related activity without authorisation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The notices have added a governance dimension to the build-up around the competition, which is being promoted as a new domestic T20 property in Telangana. As of the latest available update, those named in the notices have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Vijay Deverakonda confirmed as Brand Ambassador
At a TG20 League press conference, HCA officials confirmed Deverakonda’s appointment as Brand Ambassador as part of the tournament’s promotional push before its opening match on June 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The event also included representatives from participating franchises, including the Ramoji Group-backed Hyderabad E Champions. Speaking at the press conference, ETV Bharat Director Brihati said: “Ushodaya Enterprises and Ramoji Group have always been unearthing gems in the soil, unearthing talent in the form of Eenadu Sports League, Eenadu Champions Page. I am happy to have an opportunity in the form of TG20 League; let us all take TG20 League further together.”
Tournament format and schedule confirmed
The TG20 League will feature eight teams in a round-robin format before the playoffs. Palamuru Strikers and Khammam Aces will contest the opening match on June 21, while two matches per day are scheduled from June 22.
Providing the tournament details, TG20 Governing Council Chairman Agam Rao said: “There will be a total of 28 league matches and 4 play-off matches. The TG20 League final match will be on July 12. All the rules of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be there except the impact player rule. Tickets are available on the District app. Ticket prices have been fixed at Rs 50 and Rs 100.”
Hyderabad E Champions will begin their campaign against Palamuru Strikers on June 23. The league has also planned opening-day entertainment, including a music concert and laser show before the first match.
Prize money and sponsorship details
Srinidhi University has been confirmed as the title sponsor for the tournament. The prize structure includes ₹1 crore (approx. US$106K) for the winners, ₹50 lakh (approx. US$53K) for the runners-up, and ₹25 lakh (approx. US$26K) each for the teams finishing third and fourth.
The league’s organisers are attempting to build a new cricket property around local teams, affordable ticket pricing and celebrity-led promotion. However, the reported legal notices mean the tournament will enter its launch window with regulatory questions now sitting alongside its commercial rollout.
