HCA ombudsman’s order: Azharuddin to take issue to High Court

Azharuddin says he would seek legal action in the High Court of Telangana in the wake of HCA Ombudsman's order to remove his name from the North Pavilion Stand at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium

HYDERABAD: Former India captain and also ex-president of Hyderabad Cricket Association, Mohammed Azharuddin, said he would seek legal action in the High Court of Telangana in the wake of HCA Ombudsman’s order to remove his name from the North Pavilion Stand at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here.

“I have full faith in the judiciary as I had in my earlier cases and expect justice soon,” he said. “It is a sad day. But let me remind you, it is not my own decision but was taken at the apex council meeting. Some raised the issue of whether the decision to name the stand was approved in the AGM. I would like to ask whether all the stands were named after some former cricketers after a decision was taken at the AGM,” Azhar said in a video message released to the media on Sunday.

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“In fact, I was told that the tenure of the incumbent Ombudsman was over, and I don’t know how he is taking these sorts of decisions,” he said. “I feel it is very befitting to have a stand named after me after having achieved so much for the country. You represent India after sacrificing so much,” Azhar said. ‘And, I pray that nothing of this sort happens to any other cricketer. It is a regretful day,” he said.

“I am what I am today is because of my achievements as a cricketer and the love and affection of all the people across India who are also unfortunately feeling the heat,” he said. “Without their love and affection, Azharuddin is nothing,” he added, “So many things are happening in the Association, like Sunrisers Hyderabad even threatening to pull out of Hyderabad as the home venue with regard to an issue of tickets for the IPL matches. This is very unfortunate,” Azhar said. “And, I can tell you with all proof that many decisions in the HCA are being taken arbitrarily by a few and not with the consent of all,” he said.

“It is sad that some cricketers who are in the Association are involved in some avoidable decisions. I will expose them at the appropriate time,” Azhar said.
“I am sure my fans will give a befitting reply, there are a lot of things I will say at the right time,” he said.