HCA launches EOI process for TG20 franchise ownership ahead of 2026 debut

The Hyderabad Cricket Association has launched the EOI process for franchise ownership in the TG20 league, set to debut in June 2026. The eight-team tournament will feature competitive bidding, with a minimum franchise fee of Rs 3 crore.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Cricket Association on Saturday announced the launch of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for franchise ownership in TG20, its premier T20 cricket league set to debut in June 2026, according to V. Agam Rao, Chairman of Governing Council of TG20.

The EOI marks the formal beginning of the franchise acquisition process for what is envisioned as a flagship sporting property of Telangana.

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The tournament will be conducted under the aegis of HCA and hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad.

The inaugural season will feature eight franchise teams representing regions across Telangana and 32 matches across three weeks.

The proposed franchise regions: Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy, and Warangal.

Final allocation of Eight teams will be determined through the bidding process.

The rights to own and operate a TG20 franchise will be awarded through a transparent and competitive bidding process. The franchise term will be five (5) years, including the inaugural season, and thereafter renewable every three (3) years subject to compliance with league regulations and commercial terms.

The minimum bid amount for acquiring franchise rights to own a team shall be Rs.3 crore, exclusive of applicable GST.

This franchise fee does not include team expenses related to player and staff salaries, player accommodation and catering, team jerseys etc.

The successful bidder (Franchise Owner) shall be required to pay the bid amount annually, on or before the date set by the TG20 Governing Council each year.

The EOI submission deadline is April 28, 2026 and the shortlisting notification will be done by April 30 and by May1, the RFP Issuance to qualified parties will be done.

The EOI document can be obtained upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1,18,000 (inclusive of GST). Requests must be submitted via email with payment proof to the TG20 Governing Council.

Eligibility Criteria

Interested parties (single entity or JV/consortium) must meet the following – minimum annual turnover of Rs.100 crore (single entity) or Rs. 50 crore per entity (JV/consortium) over the last two financial years, positive profit after tax for the financial year 20-23-24, at least one entity must have a registered office in Telangana and no criminal convictions, blacklisting, or conflicts of interest as per HCA regulations.

All applications will undergo a detailed evaluation by the TG20 Governing Council in consultation with Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, the authorized advisory agency. Only shortlisted applicants will proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

The issuance of the EOI does not constitute an offer or guarantee of franchise rights. Participation in the bidding process is subject to meeting eligibility criteria and compliance requirements as determined by the TG20 Governing Council.

For details, contact governingcouncil@tg20.org

Website: HYCRICKET.ORG or TG20.ORG