The ongoing friction between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has reached a boiling point, with the IPL franchise threatening to abandon its home base at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The conflict centers around allegations that HCA officials, including President A. Jagan Mohan Rao, have been pressuring SRH for additional complimentary tickets beyond the agreed allocation. SRH claims that this "unprofessional behavior" escalated during their match against Lucknow Super Giants on March 27, 2025, when HCA reportedly locked a VIP box, refusing access unless extra passes were provided.


In a strongly worded letter to HCA Treasurer CJ Srinivas, SRH General Manager Srinath TB accused the association of intimidation and coercion, stating, "These actions suggest HCA does not want us at this venue. If so, confirm in writing, and we’ll relocate with BCCI’s approval." The franchise has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Telangana government for intervention. In response, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered an investigation into the matter to address the growing controversy.


HCA, however, has denied receiving any official communication from SRH, with President Rao dismissing the claims as baseless and suggesting a smear campaign. "No formal email has reached us," HCA stated, urging SRH to resolve the issue amicably. The dispute has cast uncertainty over SRH’s participation in IPL 2025 at Hyderabad, with fans and stakeholders awaiting a resolution as the season progresses.