Before Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sourav Ganguly, there was Mohammad Azharuddin, a stylish batter and a respected captain who led the Indian cricket team with pride during the 1990s.
Known for his elegant wristwork and calm leadership, Azharuddin played a big role in shaping Indian cricket during his time. But today, the former India captain is deeply hurt.
Azharuddin is heartbroken after hearing that his name will be taken down from the North Stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He called the move a disgrace and urged the BCCI to look into the matter seriously.
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was formally directed to remove his name following serious allegations of favoritism. The order was passed by Justice V Eswaraiah, the Ethics Officer and Ombudsman for HCA, after a petition highlighted concerns over Azharuddin’s past actions during his time as HCA president.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the complaint was filed by Lord’s Cricket Club, a local cricket group. They claimed that Azharuddin took decisions that favored his own interests, which went against the values of fairness and transparency expected from someone in his position.
Speaking to Gulf News, Azharuddin said:
“It pains me deeply to say this, but I sometimes regret having played cricket. It’s heartbreaking to see individuals with little to no understanding of the game now in positions to teach and lead. It’s a complete disgrace to the sport.”
He added:
“I am determined to pursue legal action against this injustice, and I urge the BCCI to intervene and take appropriate action. This issue isn’t isolated — Sunrisers Hyderabad also had a dispute with the association over passes, highlighting a pattern of conflict and poor governance.”
Azharuddin also shared how this situation has affected him personally.
“What’s unfolding is beyond comprehension, and it hurts me on a personal level. I was not allowed to contest the HCA elections simply because I exposed the corruption within the system. That truth made me a target,” he said.
This controversy has once again brought attention to the inner troubles of the HCA, leaving many fans shocked and saddened over the treatment of a cricketing legend.