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"Complete Disgrace": Azharuddin Explodes With Anger As Stadium Honour Stripped

Soumyajit Dutta

Mohammad Azharuddin [Source: @Bavazir_Network/X]Mohammad Azharuddin [Source: @Bavazir_Network/X]

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed outrage after the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) removed his name from a stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The decision followed a directive from HCA’s Ethics Officer responding to a petition alleging Azharuddin favoured personal interests during his tenure as HCA president. 

A local club, Lord’s Cricket Club, accused him of conflicts of interest, prompting the move. The HCA has also been instructed to exclude Azharuddin’s name from IPL 2025 match tickets, impacting five upcoming fixtures at the venue.

Azharuddin’s Emotional Response To Name Removal

Mohammad Azharuddin, in an interaction with Gulf News vowed legal action, urging BCCI intervention for the action at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

“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. This issue isn’t isolated — Sunrisers Hyderabad also had a dispute with the association over passes, highlighting a pattern of conflict and poor governance.”

Petition Pushes For Laxman Tribute

The petitioner, Lord’s Cricket Club, proposed renaming the North Pavilion Stand after VVS Laxman, citing his contributions to Indian cricket. They emphasized the change should reflect in signage, tickets, and official materials. 

Azharuddin, however, linked the controversy to systemic issues. “I was not allowed to contest HCA elections because I exposed corruption. That truth made me a target.”

The HCA’s decision has sparked debates over legacy and governance, with the stadium set to host critical IPL playoffs, amplifying scrutiny on the association’s handling of the matter.