Mohammad Azharuddin Breaks Silence After HCA Removes His Name from Stadium Stand, Urges BCCI to Take Action
In a deeply emotional and dramatic turn of events, former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed profound sorrow and regret following the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) decision to remove his name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. The move has sparked significant outrage and raised serious questions about governance, fairness, and internal politics within the cricketing body. The directive, which has sent shockwaves across the cricket community, was issued by Justice V Eswaraiah, the Ethics Officer and Ombudsman for the HCA, after a petition was submitted by Lord’s Cricket Club, a prominent local cricketing entity.
According to reports, the petition accused Mohammad Azharuddin of engaging in activities that represented a clear conflict of interest during his tenure as HCA president. It was alleged that he made decisions favouring his own interests rather than maintaining the standards of transparency and impartiality expected from someone holding such a key position in cricket administration. The complaint ultimately led to the ombudsman’s ruling that Azharuddin’s name be erased from the stadium stand, an action that has left the former cricketing legend “heartbroken” and “deeply pained.”
Azharuddin, one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history, did not hold back his emotions while speaking to Gulf News. He stated, “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.” Azharuddin also indicated that he plans to take legal action to challenge what he termed an injustice, while simultaneously calling on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step in and investigate the matter thoroughly.
The controversy doesn’t stop there. The HCA has also been ordered to ensure that Azharuddin’s name is not printed on any tickets issued for the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 matches scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The venue is set to host five more high-profile matches, including three home fixtures for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the crucial IPL Qualifier 1 and Eliminator playoff matches. The timing and visibility of this directive have only added fuel to the fire, intensifying public discourse around the issue.
Azharuddin further revealed that he had been barred from contesting the HCA elections due to his efforts to expose corruption within the system. “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,” he stated, underlining what he views as a retaliatory campaign against his integrity and commitment to reform.
Adding to the unfolding saga, the petition filed by Lord’s Cricket Club not only requested the removal of Azharuddin’s name but also proposed renaming the North Pavilion Stand after VVS Laxman, another iconic figure from Hyderabad who has earned global acclaim for his achievements and contributions to Indian cricket. The petition emphasized the need for honoring cricketers who have upheld the highest standards of the game, and urged the HCA to ensure that the new name — the VVS Laxman Pavilion — is reflected in all official communications, signage, and ticketing materials.
The petitioner also urged the Ethics Officer to issue any other orders deemed necessary to preserve justice, fairness, and integrity in the functioning of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. As the controversy gains traction, many within the cricketing fraternity and fan base are watching closely to see how the BCCI will respond and whether justice will be served in a manner that upholds the dignity of the sport.
For video news, visit our YouTube channel THE OLIGO.
