Former Indian cricketer Azharuddin’s name removed from stadium stand

HYDERABAD: Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has lashed out following the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) decision to remove his name from the North Stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

Azharuddin said that the decision is “deeply saddening”. According to a news report by BBC Urdu, the cricketer said, “Today is a very sad day for me. I hope and pray this never happens to any cricketer, anywhere in the world.”

The batsman, known for his wristy strokeplay and elegant cover drives, said he would take the matter to the High Court saying that he has full confidence in the justice system.

The issue of name removal began from a complaint filed by Hyderabad’s Lord’s Cricket Club (LCC) that claimed the naming of the stand was done without HCA’s endorsement. The complaint said that the decision to name the stand after Azharuddin was taken when the player himself was the president of the association and was therefore taken without input from association’s general body.

BBC Urdu reported that ombudsman Justice V Aishwarya sided with the complaint, ruling that Azhar had “exceeded his authority” and ordered the HCA to remove his name from the stand and halt ticket printing bearing it.

Azharuddin reacted strongly to the news and speaking to media, he said, “Those… who have never picked up a bat are now questioning cricketers. This is nothing but a witch-hunt because I didn’t allow corruption during my time.”

He said, “I gave 17 years to Indian cricket, played with honour, and led with pride. And this is how Hyderabad treats its cricketers?”

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