HCA ombudsman invalidates naming north pavilion at Uppal Stadium after Mohd Azharuddin

Justice V Eswaraiah rules that Mohd Azharuddin's decision to name the north stand at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uppal here as 'Mohammed Azharuddin Stand' is a clear case of “conflict of interest

HYDERABAD: In a significant development, ethics officer and ombudsman (additional charge) of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, Justice V Eswaraiah, ruled that the former India captain Mohd Azharuddin could not have taken a decision in the meeting presided by him to name the north stand/pavilion at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uppal here as Mohammed Azharuddin Stand which is a clear case of “conflict of interest.”

This order was passed after the Lord’s Cricket Club filed a complaint with a prayer to pass an order setting aside the high-handed action of Azharuddin, who, as president of HCA, had taken the decision at a meeting to name the stand after him.

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The petitioner also contended that the stand be continued as VVS Laxman Stand for all practical purposes, including but not limited to signages, printing of tickets, etc and pass any such order or orders as are deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and in the interest of justice.

“There is one decision of the general body meeting or the apex council for incorporating the Azharuddin stand above the name of the VVS Laxman pavilion. It was an abuse of power and without any authority, and the general body of HCA has not modified or revised its decision to put the name board in bold letters over and above the name of VVS Laxman pavilion,” the petitioner contended.

Justice Eswaraiah said Azharuddin could not have taken the decision and subsequently selectively implemented the same at the expense of the HCA. “The same is ipso facto, a case of conflict of interest as Azhar has taken a personal decision in his own favour. The fact that there has been no ratification/modification of the decision by the general body further strengthens the case against Azhar as he exceeded his authority to benefit to his own self,” the ombudsman stated in his conclusion.

“In consequence of my findings, a clear case of conflict of interest is made out.

In the result, HCA has been directed to remove the name of Azharuddin i.e. Mohammed Azharuddin Stand, from the north pavilion at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here forthwith and ensure that no tickets are printed with the name of Azharuddin hereafter,” the ombudsman’s order stated.