Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad is considering moving out of their home venue, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, for their remaining IPL 2025 matches. The 2016 champions are unhappy with the alleged intimidation and blackmailing by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) officials over free tickets, which has led the franchise to rethink its home ground for the rest of the season.
According to a report in the Times of India, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s general manager, Srinath TB, wrote a letter to HCA treasurer CJ Srinivas Rao, expressing the franchise’s dissatisfaction and clarifying that they would not tolerate such behaviour.
In his letter, Srinath stated, “All these unprofessional threats and actions by HCA, especially by the HCA president, make it evident that you don’t want Sunrisers to play at your stadium. If that is the case, please let me know in writing so that we can inform BCCI, the Telangana govt, and our management that you wish for us to move to another venue, and we will move.”
He also added, “We have been working with HCA for the last 12 years. Only from last season have we been facing constant issues and harassment from HCA.”
Dispute between SRH & HCA Officials
The dispute between the franchise and HCA escalated after a row over complimentary tickets. HCA officials allegedly locked a box during the SRH vs Lucknow Super Giants match, demanding 20 extra free tickets.
Srinath pointed out, “For several years, HCA has been allocated 50 complimentary tickets (F12A box) as a part of the 3,900 complimentary tickets. However, this year, you are claiming the capacity of the box to be only 30 and asking for an additional 20 complimentary tickets in a different box. When this was brought to our notice, we informed you that we shall discuss and come to a mutually amicable solution.”
SRH’s performance at home so far
So far in IPL 2025, SunRisers Hyderabad has played two matches in Hyderabad. While they secured a win against Rajasthan Royals, they lost to the Lucknow Super Giants.
