Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin spoke out about the decision by Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Ombudsman and Ethics Officer Justice V Eswaraiah to remove his name from one of the stands at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Azharuddin expressed his disappointment with the ruling, even going so far as to say that at times, he regrets playing cricket. His name had been displayed on the North Pavilion stand at the stadium. The 62-year-old termed the move a “disgrace to the sport” and confirmed that he plans to take legal action soon.
In a conversation with IANS, Azharuddin said (via News18):
“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.”
“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 mismanagement and conflict.”
“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.”
HCA Ombudsman Labels Mohammad Azharuddin Stand Controversy as “Clear Case of Conflict of Interest”
HCA Ombudsman and Ethics Officer, Justice V Eswaraiah, has instructed the board to remove Mohammad Azharuddin‘s name from the match tickets as well. Highlighting the conflict of interest regarding the stand named after Azharuddin, Eswaraiah mentioned in his statement (via Cricbuzz):
“The fact that there has been no ratification/modification of the decision by the General Body further strengthens the case against the Respondent No. 1 (Mohammad Azharuddin), as the Respondent No. 1 has exceeded his authority to benefit himself. In consequence of my findings, a clear case of conflict of interest is made out.”
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