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Cricketing legend Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed deep dismay following a recent controversy involving the naming of a stadium stand after himself. The former Indian captain, known for his elegant batting and leadership during the 1990s, now finds himself embroiled in a legal and ethical dispute that has left him questioning his association with the game.
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Conflict of Interest Allegation Over Stadium Stand
The storm erupted after a complaint by Lord’s Cricket Club, a local cricketing body in Hyderabad, accused Azharuddin of misusing his powers during his tenure as president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The issue? Naming the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium after himself — a move that has now been deemed a conflict of interest.
According to a Cricbuzz report, HCA’s Ethics Officer and Ombudsman, Justice V Eswaraiah, has formally ordered the removal of Azharuddin’s name from the stand. The decision has sparked intense debate within cricketing and legal circles, with many questioning whether the move was ethically wrong or a targeted backlash.
Azharuddin: “Sometimes Regret Playing Cricket”
In a shocking and emotional reaction to the decision, Azharuddin told Gulf News:
“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.”
His words reveal a painful disillusionment with the current state of cricket administration and governance — especially within his home association.
Calls for BCCI Intervention
The former Indian captain is not taking the decision lightly. Azharuddin confirmed that he plans to pursue legal action and has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene.
“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,” he added.
A Pattern of Governance Issues?
Azharuddin’s mention of Sunrisers Hyderabad points to a deeper governance crisis within the HCA. In recent years, the association has been riddled with internal disputes, legal tussles, and mismanagement allegations. The controversy with the IPL franchise over ticketing and passes is just one of many examples that underline the growing tension between stakeholders.
Cricketing Fraternity Reacts
While some have questioned the ethics of naming a stadium stand after oneself, others have come out in support of Azharuddin, acknowledging his vast contributions to Indian cricket. Known for his wristy elegance and calm demeanor, Azharuddin captained India in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs and played a crucial role in shaping Indian cricket in the 1990s.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, the spotlight remains on the BCCI to see whether it will step in to resolve the matter. For now, Azharuddin stands defiant, fighting not just for the preservation of his name on a stadium wall — but for the respect he believes he has rightfully earned through decades of service to Indian cricket.
