Mohammad Azharuddin is deeply saddened and distressed following the decision by the Hyderabad Cricket Association to remove his name from a stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. The former captain of the Indian cricket team has condemned this action as disgraceful, criticizing the governing body and calling on the BCCI to intervene and address the situation.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was instructed to remove Azharuddin's name from the North Pavilion Stand due to serious allegations of favoritism against him. This directive was issued on Saturday by Justice V Eswaraiah, who holds the position of Ethics Officer and Ombudsman for the HCA, in response to a petition that highlighted these concerns.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the decision was triggered by a formal complaint from the Lord's Cricket Club, a local organization, which claimed that during his presidency at the HCA, Azharuddin made decisions that reflected a significant conflict of interest, prioritizing his own benefits. The petition specifically cited actions taken by Azharuddin that were viewed as self-serving, thus compromising the standards of fairness and impartiality expected from someone in his authoritative role.

'It's hearbreaking', says Azharuddin

It is with great sorrow that I express my feelings; at times, I find myself regretting my involvement in cricket. It is disheartening to witness individuals with minimal understanding of the game now occupying roles of instruction and leadership. This situation is a profound disservice to the sport, Azharuddin stated in an interview with Gulf News.

"I am resolute in my decision to pursue legal action against this injustice, and I call upon the BCCI to step in and take the necessary measures. This matter is not an isolated incident; Sunrisers Hyderabad has also encountered issues with the association regarding passes, which underscores a recurring theme of conflict and inadequate governance."

In addition to the directive for renaming, the HCA has been explicitly ordered to refrain from including Azharuddin’s name on any tickets for matches during the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This is particularly noteworthy as the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is set to host five more matches in the tournament, including three home games for the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise, as well as the crucial Qualifier 1 and Eliminator matches, which are vital to the IPL playoff framework.

"What is happening is incomprehensible, and it affects me deeply on a personal level. I was barred from running in the HCA elections solely because I brought to light the corruption within the system. That revelation made me a target," Azharuddin remarked.

Moreover, the petitioner, Lord's Cricket Club, has gone further than simply requesting the removal of Azharuddin’s name. They have fervently advocated for the renaming of the North Pavilion Stand in honour of VVS Laxman, a distinguished cricketer from Hyderabad renowned for his significant contributions to Indian cricket. The petition specifically requested that the stand be officially designated as the VVS Laxman Pavilion for all practical purposes, including the physical signage at the stadium, ticket printing, and any other relevant documentation.

The petitioner concluded by urging the Ombudsman to issue any further orders necessary to resolve the situation.

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