CID probes GHMC cricket clubs irregularities
HYDERABAD: The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has launched an inquiry into the privatisation of cricket clubs under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Officials are examining how these clubs were transferred to private individuals, the basis of the decisions, and the processes followed.
CID officials visited the GHMC headquarters on Thursday and issued a notice seeking submission of relevant files. The move has revived debate over the privatisation of civic-run cricket clubs.
18 clubs allegedly handed to private individuals
Earlier, GHMC had 21 cricket clubs affiliated with the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), which participated in league matches conducted by the association. At present, only three clubs Red Hills, Saleemnagar and Mayor XI remain under GHMC and take part in annual leagues.
GHMC spends ₹21,000 annually on these clubs, paying ₹7,000 per club. It also provides food, breakfast and cricket kits to players during league matches.
Officials have found that 18 of the 21 clubs were allegedly handed over to private individuals during the tenure of a former sports director. Those who acquired the clubs reportedly gained voting rights in the HCA. The transfers are suspected to have involved large financial transactions.
Authorities said public assets were transferred to private hands, allegedly resulting in undue benefits to officials involved. At the time, only ₹3,000 per club had to be paid to the HCA, and officials reportedly cited inability to bear even this cost as the reason for privatisation.
Despite the transfers, the HCA did not raise objections at the time.
Earlier vigilance probe flagged violations
The issue of illegal transfer of cricket clubs had surfaced earlier, prompting a vigilance inquiry within GHMC. The probe found that the clubs were handed over in violation of rules. However, no significant action was taken against those responsible.
The CID has now taken over the investigation to examine the irregularities in detail.
