Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have accused Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President Jagan Mohan Rao of blackmail, coercion, and threats over ticket allocations for IPL 2025 matches at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In a letter to HCA Apex Council members, SRH alleged that Rao demanded 3,900 tickets per home match—10% of total sales—and later insisted on replacing 20 tickets in the F-12A section with another box. Despite agreeing to initial demands to avoid conflict, SRH refused the additional request, leading to Rao reportedly locking the corporate box allocated to Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka before their March 27 game.

SRH clarified they have no grievances against other HCA officials and thanked them for their cooperation. However, they expressed frustration with Rao’s alleged unprofessional behavior, including locking the F3 box to pressure SRH into providing more complimentary tickets. The franchise has sought an immediate meeting with HCA to present evidence and resolve the issue amicably.

SRH also informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the matter and hinted at relocating their home games if conflicts persist. They emphasized paying appropriate rent for the stadium and highlighted ongoing issues with HCA over the past two years.