HC sets aside Amarnath’s appointment as HCA chief

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Monday set aside the appointment of Amarnath as president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and directed that a fresh election to the post be conducted within 45 days by July 23.The court also directed the vice-president, Daljeet Singh, to function as acting president until a new chief is elected.Justice Renuka Yara passed the order while disposing of a petition filed by Hyderabad-based Sagar Cricket Club, which challenged Amarnath's appointment in Feb 2026 by the HCA ombudsman following the arrest and subsequent suspension of former president A Jagan Mohan Rao in connection with alleged criminal cases.In the HCA elections held on Oct 20, 2023, Jagan Mohan Rao edged past Amarnath by a single vote. Of the 169 votes cast out of 173 eligible votes, Rao secured 63 votes, while Amarnath polled 62.However, the president's post fell vacant after Jagan Mohan Rao's arrest amid allegations of misconduct.Following his suspension, the HCA ombudsman, acting on a BCCI directive, appointed Amarnath as president. Challenging the move, Sagar Cricket Club approached the high court.Counsel for the petitioner argued that the ombudsman's decision was contrary to the HCA Memorandum of Association and its rules and regulations. The appointment, they contended, was "illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional and without jurisdiction".After hearing both sides, Justice Yara held that Amarnath's appointment could not be sustained in law and ordered a fresh election to fill the vacancy.The matter has been posted to June 22 for further hearing.