Amarnath Named HCA President Following Ombudsman Order Against Jagan Mohan Rao
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) will have a new President after the Ombudsman removed A. Jagan Mohan Rao from the post and declared Amarnath of Galaxy Cricket Club as his successor for the remaining term.
This decision follows an order dated January 31, 2026, passed by HCA Ombudsman Justice (Retd) Suresh Kumar Kait, a former Chief Justice. The order came in response to a complaint filed by Amarnath, who alleged fraudulent practices in the HCA elections held in 2023.
One-vote margin in 2023 election
In the October 20, 2023 election, Jagan Mohan Rao had won the presidency by a razor-thin margin. He polled 63 votes, while Amarnath secured 62.
However, Amarnath, a former senior Central Excise officer and one of the senior-most members of the association, challenged the result. He alleged that Jagan Mohan Rao had illegally contested the election by fabricating documents related to Sri Chakra Cricket Club.
According to the complaint, the change of name from Gowlipura Cricket Club to Sri Chakra Cricket Club had already been declared illegal. This declaration was made in a January 31, 2018 order by the then Ombudsman, Justice L. Narasimha Reddy. Therefore, Amarnath argued that Sri Chakra Cricket Club had no legal existence.
Ombudsman cites serious allegations
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman noted that the High Court had directed Jagan Mohan Rao not to enter the HCA Stadium or any other cricket premises linked to the investigation. In addition, he recalled that the association had already suspended Jagan Mohan Rao, and that he was not performing the duties of any post.
“In view of the above facts and circumstances, I am of the view that Jagan Mohan Rao does not deserve to hold the post of President of HCA,” the order stated. It added that the serious allegations against him amounted to misconduct.
Amarnath to serve remaining nine months
At the same time, the Ombudsman observed that the institution could not be left in limbo. As a result, he declared Amarnath as President, noting that he had secured the second-highest number of votes in the election.
“Since the institution cannot be put on hold, the post of President cannot be kept vacant for a longer period,” the order said. “Undisputedly, since the petitioner secured 62 votes, I hereby declare the petitioner as President of the HCA and direct him to take charge within a week from today.”
Amarnath will serve as President for the remaining term, which is estimated to be about nine months.
‘Justice has prevailed,’ says Amarnath
Reacting to the order, Amarnath said justice had prevailed. After being declared President, he said he would focus on the development of cricket across Telangana.
“I will relentlessly work for the development of Telangana cricket and get back the glory and the lost name we had in the golden years of the past,” he said.
Furthermore, he said his priorities would include strengthening grassroots cricket in districts, identifying genuine talent, and improving facilities for cricketers. He added that this effort would cover both men and women across the state. Finally, he said he would work towards restoring the confidence and respect of all HCA-affiliated club secretaries.
