SATS Chairman backs Ruyudu's HCA corruption allegation

Hyderabad: Sports Authority of Telangana State chairman A Venkateshwar Reddy on Sunday backed Ambati Rayudu's acquisition of Hyderabad Cricket Association of indulging in "rampant corruption" and stressed for zero tolerance approach against corruption.

"The SATS Chairman has vowed to raise the issue with State Minister K T Rama Rao and make arrangements for a meeting with Rayudu," a SATS official told The Hans India.

Rayudu on Saturday accused the HCA of indulging in "rampant corruption" and appealed to influential State Minister K T Rama Rao to intervene.

Taking to Twitter, the former Hyderabad captain accused several HCA members of have Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) cases pending against them.

"Hello sir @KTRTRS, I request u to plz look into and address the rampant corruption prevailing in HCA. How can Hyderabad be great when its cricket team is influenced by money and corrupt ppl who have numerous ACB cases against them which are being swept under the carpet," Rayudu tweeted.

Citing HCA's corruption, Rayudu is learnt to have opted out of the upcoming Ranji Trophy. HCA President Mohammad Azharuddin was unavailable for comment.

Rayudu, who has represented India in 55 ODIs and 6 T20 Internationals, had announced his international retirement during the World Cup in July only to make a U-turn in August.