The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has stood as the premier governing body for cricket in Hyderabad and Telangana since 1934.
Affiliated with the BCCI ever since its foundation, it oversees talent development, domestic tournaments, and cricket infrastructure across the region.
With Imtiaz Khan as the interim CEO, following the suspension of top officials in July 2025 over allegations of fraud, HCA remains committed to transparency and cricketing excellence.
With numerous cricket grounds, active internal tournaments, and a strong presence in national tournaments, HCA plays a vital role in nurturing cricket talent and organizing competitions across all age groups and genders.
Hyderabad Cricket Association: Legacy & Historical Overview
HCA was founded when the Ranji Trophy first-class cricket championship began in 1934. This created the need for a local governing body.
The association has deep roots tracing back to the Nizam era, when British Army personnel first introduced cricket to Hyderabad around 1880.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1934 |
| Affiliation | Permanent Member of BCCI |
| Jurisdiction | Hyderabad & Telangana State |
| Headquarters | Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Uppal |
The evolution from the Nizam-era cricket setup to a structured state body has been remarkable.
Gymkhana Ground stands as the oldest cricket ground of HCA, with Oxford University Authentics becoming the first foreign team to visit Hyderabad in the 1902/03 season.
Over the decades, HCA transformed from a regional cricket body into a significant contributor to Indian cricket, producing world-class batsmen and maintaining high standards in domestic cricket administration.
The association’s growth paralleled India’s cricketing journey, establishing itself as a cornerstone institution that bridges traditional cricket values with modern professional standards.
Major Tournaments & Talent Programs Run by HCA
HCA runs a wide tournament system for different categories and skill levels in Hyderabad and Telangana.
| Category | Example Competitions |
|---|---|
| Senior Men | HCA Premier League, A-D Divisions League |
| Age-Group (Boys & Girls) | U-14, U-16, U-19, U-23 Zonal Leagues |
| Women’s Cricket | HCA Women’s League, Girls U-16/U-19 League |
| Corporate/Private Clubs | Telangana Corporate Trophy |
| Inter-School | HCA Inter-School Cricket League |
| Trials & Selection | Annual Talent Hunt Camps |
HCA shows its dedication to grassroots development with free cricket summer camps. It plans to turn these camps into full cricket academies. Each District Cricket Association will get Rs 15 lakh for camps and Rs 25 lakh for tournaments.
HCA Office Bearers & Leadership (2025)
The association faces unmatched leadership challenges following recent suspensions and ongoing investigations.
| Post | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| President | Suspended (A. Jagan Mohan Rao) | Suspended July 2025 amid investigations |
| Vice President | Daljeet Singh | Acting President |
| Secretary | Suspended (R. Devraj) | Suspended July 2025 |
| Treasurer | Suspended (C.J. Srinivas Rao) | Suspended July 2025 |
| Court-Appointed Administrator | Justice P. Naveen Rao (Retd.) | Oversees interim governance |
The suspensions were necessitated due to serious allegations involving fraud, cheating, misappropriation of funds, and abuse of official position.
During this transitional period, Vice-President Daljeet Singh served as acting President for a while, until Imtiaz Khan, a former state-level cricketer with a distinguished track record of corporate leadership, took over.
The suspended officials are prohibited from exercising any powers or privileges associated with their respective offices until the completion of ongoing inquiries.
HCA Presidents All Time (1934–2022)
The presidency of HCA has witnessed distinguished leadership across different eras, reflecting the association’s evolution through India’s cricketing journey.
| President | Years |
|---|---|
| Nawab Turab Yar Jung | 1934 – 1936 |
| Syed Ali Raza | 1936 – 1938 |
| Nadir Shah Chenoy | 1938 – 1940 |
| Hussian Ali Khan | 1940 – 1941 |
| Mushtaq Ali Khan | 1941 – 1950 |
| K P Dhargalkar | 1950 – 1952 |
| M N Abbassi | 1952 – 1955 |
| Shiv Kumar Lal | 1955 – 1956 |
| Raja Rameswar Rao | 1956 – 1959 |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 1959 – 1976 |
| K K Guruswamy | 1959 – 1965 |
| B C Khanna | 1965 – 1968 |
| R Jayawant Rao | 1968 – 1971 |
| K S Iyengar | 1971 – 1974 |
| D S Shah | 1974 – 1977 |
| G D Quershi | 1977 – 1980 |
| R Surender Reddy | 1980 – 1984 |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 1984 – 1986 |
| P S Ram Mohan Rao | 1986 – 1992 |
| K K Rao | 1992 – 1993 |
| Mohan Kanda | 1993 – 1998 |
| G P Surana | 1998 – 2000 |
| M Ranga Reddy | 2000 – 2004 |
| G Vinod | 2004 – 2010 |
| Arshad Ayub | 2010 – 2012 |
| G Vinod | 2012 – 2014 |
| Arshad Ayub | 2014 – 2017 |
| Dr. G Vivikanand | 2017 – 2019 |
| R Vijayanand | 2019 – 2022 |
Who will be the Next Hyderabad Cricket Association President?
With the top leadership suspended, attention now turns to who might take over the Hyderabad Cricket Association presidency next.
Sardar Daljeet Singh:
Served as cting President following the suspension of elected office-bearers in July 2025.
As Vice-President, he assumed the role per HCA constitutional provisions and holds the various advantages heading into the next election.
Mohammad Azharuddin:
The celebrated former India captain and ex-HCA President (2019–2022) announced his intention to contest again on an anti-corruption platform.
However, his previous suspension by the Apex Council over conflict of interest charges and disqualification from the October 2023 polls due to similar issues cast uncertainty over his eligibility in future elections.
HCA Infrastructure & Key Grounds
HCA operates an impressive network of cricket facilities across Hyderabad and Telangana, anchored by world-class infrastructure.
| Facility Name | Location | Key Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium | Uppal | Main stadium (home of SRH) |
| Gymkhana Ground | Secunderabad | Trials, coaching, matches |
| Fateh Maidan | Hyderabad | Academy and net practice |
| Lal Bahadur Stadium | Basheerbagh | Multi-sport venue |
| HCA Academy, Uppal | Hyderabad | Elite Coaching Centre |
The HCA operates the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, which hosts international-level Test, ODI, and T20 cricket matches.
This state-of-the-art facility serves as the home ground for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, while Gymkhana Ground maintains its legacy as the association’s oldest venue with rich historical significance.
List of Academies & Training Centres under HCA
HCA operates multiple academies across Hyderabad, offering structured coaching and talent development by zone.
- HCA Central Academy (Uppal)
- North Zone: Secunderabad Coaching Centre
- South Zone: LB Nagar Sports Complex
- East Zone: Uppal Residential Camp
- West Zone: Kukatpally Net Facility
HCA’s zone-wise training network ensures comprehensive coverage across Hyderabad and Telangana, providing accessible coaching facilities and structured development programs for aspiring cricketers at the grassroots level through professional academies.
Notable Hyderabad Cricket Personalities Produced by HCA
Hyderabad has a strong legacy of developing skilled, elegant batsmen. The city’s cricket culture focuses on classic stroke-play and smart tactics. This approach has led to many players succeeding at the international level.
- N. T. Tilak Varma
- Mohammed Siraj
- Gade Hanuma Vihari
- Pragyan Prayash Ojha
- Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu
- V. V. S. Laxman
- Noel Arthur David
- S. L. Venkatapathy Raju
- Mohammad Azharuddin
HCA Selection Process: How Does It Work?
HCA follows a step-by-step, merit-based selection system to identify and nurture talent across all age groups.
Step 1: Open Trials & Talent Scouting:
HCA announces open trials for various age groups through official channels and affiliated clubs.
Step 2: Performance Evaluation in Local Tournaments:
Selections are influenced by performances in HCA’s internal leagues, including A1, A2, A3 Division Leagues, and school tournaments.
Step 3: Assessment by Selection Committees:
Dedicated selection committees evaluate players through match performance, net sessions, fitness levels, and game awareness.
Step 4: Squad Finalisation & Training Camps:
Shortlisted players join probables for training camps, practice matches, and specialised coaching sessions at HCA academies.
Special Note on Transfers & Eligibility:
Players must follow club transfer rules and meet age verification, residency documentation, and BCCI eligibility requirements.
Follow HCA: How to Stay Updated
Stay updated on the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Get live match updates, selection news, tournament schedules, and official announcements. Follow their verified social media handles and website to never miss an update.
Social Media and Contact:
- Website: hycricket.org
- Twitter/X: @HCA_Official
- Facebook: Hyderabad Cricket Association
- YouTube: HCA Cricket TV
- Email: info@hycricket.org
Players, fans, and clubs can stay informed about trials, tournaments, and announcements through HCA’s official digital platforms.
These channels provide real-time updates on selections, match schedules, and registration processes for competitions and coaching programs.
Conclusion: Founded in 1934, HCA nurtures talent through academies and leagues!
The Hyderabad Cricket Association has deep roots in Indian cricket history and continues to shape the sport with structured training, solid infrastructure, and a legacy of producing world-class batters.
From its historic grounds to its modern stadium, HCA actively bridges tradition with talent development.
Whether you’re a young player eyeing the next open trial or a cricket fan tracing Hyderabad’s cricketing journey.
HCA’s role remains vital to the game’s heartbeat in Telangana, despite current leadership challenges that the association is navigating with commitment to transparency and excellence.
FAQs
Sardar Daljeet Singh is serving as the acting president after the suspension of key HCA office bearers in July 2025.
HCA announces player trials through its official website and verified social media handles like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
HCA owns the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, which hosts domestic and international matches.
Yes, the Hyderabad team has won the Ranji Trophy twice — in the 1937–38 and 1986–87 seasons.
HCA has over 60 affiliated grounds across Hyderabad and Telangana used for matches, training camps, and local tournaments.
Tournament schedules and registration details are available on the HCA official website and sometimes shared via email newsletters.
