THE NEWLY LAUNCHED TG20 League, envisioned as Telangana’s premier franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, has been thrust into controversy just days before its scheduled start after the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) issued legal notices to several high-profile personalities associated with the event, including actor Vijay Deverakonda, actor Venkatesh, and cricketers Mohammed Siraj, Tilak Varma, and Ambati Rayudu.
The controversy erupted shortly after Vijay Deverakonda was unveiled as the official brand ambassador of the league, a move that organizers hoped would boost the tournament’s visibility and fan engagement across Telangana.
The TG20 League has been promoted as Telangana’s flagship T20 competition, featuring eight franchise teams and 32 matches to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Organizers projected the tournament as a “mini IPL”-style event aimed at developing local talent while attracting national attention. The competition was scheduled to run from June 21 through July.
At the launch event, organizers announced Vijay Deverakonda as brand ambassador and highlighted partnerships with sponsors and broadcasters to build excitement around the inaugural edition.
According to the Telangana Cricket Association, the core issue revolves around the league’s regulatory status and whether it has received the necessary approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The TCA alleges that the proposed tournament lacks BCCI authorization and has questioned the involvement of celebrities and cricketers in promoting an event whose official status remains disputed.
The association has further argued that celebrity endorsements could create a public perception that the league has official sanction, even as questions remain regarding approvals and governance.
The notices reportedly seek clarification on their association with the league and raise concerns over participation in promotional activities linked to an allegedly unauthorized tournament.
