Azharuddin Regrets Cricket Career Following Name Removal
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed his deep disappointment over the HCA's decision to remove his name from the North Stand. He plans to take legal action and calls for the BCCI's intervention in the ongoing issues of mismanagement within the association.
Key Takeaways
- Azharuddin expresses regret about playing cricket.
- HCA Ombudsman directed removal of his name.
- Plans to take legal action against the decision.
- Calls for BCCI intervention on mismanagement issues.
- The decision followed a petition by Lords Cricket Club.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin voiced his disappointment regarding the directive from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Ombudsman to strip his name from the North Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
In an interview with IANS, the seasoned player described the situation as 'devastating' and a 'total disgrace to the sport.'
"It truly pains me to admit this, but I occasionally regret having played cricket. It’s devastating to witness people with minimal understanding of the game now holding positions of authority. It’s a total disgrace to the sport," he stated to IANS.
Azharuddin announced his intention to seek legal recourse and called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step in.
"I am resolute in my decision to pursue legal action against this wrongdoing, and I urge the BCCI to get involved and take necessary measures. This situation isn’t an isolated incident - Sunrisers Hyderabad has also faced a conflict with the association over passes, indicating a trend of mismanagement and discord," the former captain explained.
"What is happening is beyond belief, and it deeply affects me personally. I was barred from running in the HCA elections simply because I exposed corruption within the system. That truth made me a target," he continued.
Justice (Retd) V. Eswaraiah, the ethics officer for the HCA, made this ruling following a petition submitted by the Lords Cricket Club, a member of the state association.
The petition accused the former HCA president, Azharuddin, of abusing his authority by making arbitrary decisions. It specifically alleged that he breached HCA regulations by attending an Apex Council meeting as president in December 2019, during which a resolution was adopted to name the North Stand after him—just a month after he took office. According to HCA regulations, such a resolution must be approved by the General Body.
Azharuddin held the presidency of the HCA from September 2019 to September 2023.
