Thu Jun 26 19:09:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Telangana High Court has dismissed an appeal by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) challenging a ₹25.92 crore arbitral award in favor of Visaka Industries. The dispute originated from a 2004 agreement where Visaka Industries was granted in-stadium advertisement rights for the Uppal Kancha stadium. The HCA attempted to renege on the agreement before IPL matches in 2008, citing a conflict with BCCI-IPL arrangements, and later terminated the agreement in 2011. After years of litigation, an arbitration award was made in Visaka’s favor, which the HCA unsuccessfully challenged in both the Commercial Court and now the High Court. The High Court criticized the HCA’s “unsportsmanlike colours” and consistent failure to provide security for the award while pursuing appeals.

**News Article:**

**Hyderabad Cricket Association Loses Appeal, Ordered to Pay ₹25.92 Crore to Visaka Industries**

**HYDERABAD, June 27, 2025** – The Telangana High Court has dealt a final blow to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), dismissing its appeal against a ₹25.92 crore arbitral award in favor of Visaka Industries. The long-standing dispute stems from a 2004 agreement granting Visaka Industries in-stadium advertisement rights at the Uppal Kancha stadium.

The HCA attempted to back out of the agreement before the 2008 IPL season, claiming it was superseded by BCCI-IPL arrangements. They later terminated the agreement altogether in 2011. Visaka Industries pursued legal action, culminating in an arbitration award in their favor in 2016.

The HCA’s subsequent challenge in the Commercial Court was unsuccessful, leading to the current appeal which has now been rejected by the High Court. In a strongly worded judgment, the bench of Justices Moushumi Bhattacharya and B.R. Madhusudhan Rao criticized the HCA’s conduct, stating they “exposed its unsportsmanlike colours.” The court also noted the HCA’s consistent failure to provide statutory security for the award throughout the appeals process.

This ruling marks the end of a protracted legal battle and compels the HCA to finally compensate Visaka Industries as per the original arbitral award. The decision is expected to have significant financial implications for the HCA and serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring contractual obligations.

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