JUSTICE (RETD.) Suresh Kumar Kait, the ombudsman of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), has announced Amarnath of Galaxy Cricket Club as the new president of the association.
The decision follows a complaint filed by Amarnath alleging irregularities in the HCA elections held on 20 October 2023. In that election, Amarnath narrowly lost to incumbent president A. Jagan Mohan Rao of Sri Chakra Cricket Club formerly known as Gowlipura Cricket Club by a single vote.
Out of 173 eligible votes, 169 members cast their ballots, with Rao prevailing 63-62. Rao had the backing of the then-ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), while Amarnath was supported by former India cricketers Shivalal Yadav and Arshad Ayub.
Amarnath’s petition contended that the change in club’s name and legal status had not been carried out in accordance with applicable laws, nor in compliance with binding judicial and administrative orders. On this basis, the nomination of the club and the subsequent election result were challenged as invalid.
In a 12-page order addressed to the HCA and accessed by Sportstar, the ombudsman ruled that Rao was ineligible to hold the office of president. He directed that Amarnath take charge of the association for the remainder of the term. Amarnath has accordingly assumed office as HCA president this week.
Rao had previously been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in July last year, along with four other office-bearers, over allegations of document forgery and misappropriation of funds. He was later released on bail by a local court in Malkajgiri.
