SJFI lodges complaint with BCCI against HCA media manager for violation of protocols

In an unprecedent move, the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) has lodged a complaint with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the misconduct of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) media manager and about the violation of media box protocols at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

It is also reliably learnt that the BCCI has taken the matter seriously and has written to the HCA officials to look into the matter and to resolve it.

“On behalf of the Sports Journalists Federation of India, I am writing to bring to your attention certain serious concerns regarding the conduct of Ajay Reddy, Media Manager of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). It has been consistently observed that Ajay Reddy has been displaying inappropriate and arrogant behavior towards accredited sports journalists. Such conduct is not only unprofessional but also undermines the working environment required for fair and responsible sports reporting,” wrote SJFI president Saraju Chakraborty to the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. A copy of the letter is in the possession of Khel Khiladis.com.

“More importantly, there have been repeated instances of violation of established BCCI media protocols.  Individuals who are not accredited journalists are being allowed access to the media box, an area strictly designated for professional sports journalists covering the match,” he stated.

“While it is understood that designated team officials and managers may access the media box as part of their professional responsibilities and to maintain cordial interaction with the media, it has been observed that unauthorized, unidentified, and non-accredited individuals are also being permitted entry. The media box is a highly sensitive and restricted working area, and allowing outsiders or unknown persons compromises its purpose, security, and professional environment,” the complaint reads.

“This practice is a clear breach of BCCI guidelines and compromises the integrity and purpose of the media enclosure. The media box is intended exclusively to facilitate the work of journalists, and any deviation from this norm disrupts professional coverage and sends an inappropriate message to the cricketing community,” he added.

First time such a thing has happened, says SJFI

The SJFI chief also made it clear that this was happening for the first time at the RGIC Stadium in Hyderabad. “We would also like to place on record that sports journalists have never experienced such discomfort or disruption at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium since it began hosting international and domestic matches. This is the first time such issues have arisen, making the situation particularly concerning,” he stated.

“Such actions not only affect the functioning of the media but also risk tarnishing the reputation of both the BCCI and the game of cricket itself. Maintaining discipline and adherence to protocol is essential to uphold the standards and prestige associated with Indian cricket.

“In light of the above, we respectfully request the BCCI to take immediate and strict action against the concerned official. We also urge the Board to reinforce clear guidelines to ensure that media box protocols are strictly followed across all venues. We trust that the BCCI will take this matter seriously and act promptly to preserve the dignity of the sport and the rights of professional journalists,” Saraju Chakraborty said.

HCA has been known for its hospitality

Such a thing has never happened in the history of the HCA, which was formed in 1934. The HCA has been known for its hospitality over the years and sports journalists, especially those from outside the state and foreign media personnel, have always felt at home in Hyderabad. The officials had always treated the media personnel with respect, and it was reciprocated. People like K John Manoj, T Shesh Narayan, Gerard Carr, Vikram Man Singh, P Naidu, Rammohan M, Sailesh Kumar and Vanka Mahender to name a few were always available to address any issue and make sure that the media personnel were made to feel at home.

But for the last few years, things have been going from bad to worse. The administrators have stopped acknowledging the fact that the media is a partner with the association in promoting the game. The facilities and protocols have been tossed aside as those without much knowledge of cricket have ascended to positions of authority.

But at least till two years back, the media department was handled by someone from within the HCA, it was usually a club secretary or a senior member of the association. However, during the tenure of the previous president A Jagan Mohan Rao, things took a bad turn. He started appointing his cronies, who had no knowledge about the game, to handle such sensitive positions. This triggered off a constant ‘tussle’ with the media personnel.

Things are going from bad to worse as outsiders are ruling the roost in HCA

Things are not any better in the dispensation of the new president Amarnath and secretary M Jeevan Reddy. Sources said cronies still rule the roost in the HCA administration. Ironically, these ‘advisers’ have zero accountability.

HCA secretary M Jeevan Reddy and president Amarnath

“What else can we expect when ‘outsiders’ are made part of the HCA administration. These people have no idea about the game and how to run the show. It is a shameful thing that a complaint has been lodged against the HCA on such a matter. The administrators and their cronies are appointing people without any knowledge about the game to such sensitive positions,” lamented a club secretary.

Anil Kumar wins HCA treasurer post by two votes, Jeevan Reddy is new secretary

“In the past, we had people who knew how to be friendly and courteous. The Nawabi Tehzeeb was also a part of the protocol but all that has now been dumped as the newbies feel they are not accountable to anyone and can get away with any kind of behaviour,” he said.

For the first time, the media personnel were not given vehicle parking passes for the IPL matches in the stadium. It is one of the basic requirements of the media personnel but this year the administrators have shown no inclination to provide even the basic needs.