'I regret playing cricket,' Azharuddin upset after name removal from Hyderabad Stadium stand

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed deep disappointment and anger over the Hyderabad Cricket Association's (HCA) decision to remove his name from the North Pavilion Stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

In a strong reaction, Azharuddin called the move "shameful for the sport" and urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene in the matter.

The decision came in response to a petition filed by a local organisation, the Lords Cricket Club, alleging that Azharuddin had shown bias and conflict of interest during his tenure as HCA President. The petition claimed that some of his actions were taken for personal benefit, which went against the principles of transparency and neutrality.

The matter was addressed by Justice V. Eshwaraiah, who serves as the Ethics Officer and Ombudsman of the HCA.

In an interview with Arab media, Azharuddin said, "It hurts to say this, but sometimes I regret playing cricket. Today, people who don't even understand the game are trying to guide it. This is an insult to cricket."

He further added, "I intend to take legal action against this injustice, and I appeal to the BCCI to intervene in this matter."

Azharuddin also highlighted issues beyond the petition, mentioning that the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise had also faced problems with the association over match passes, calling it another example of poor governance within the HCA.

"What's happening is beyond understanding and personally painful. I wasn't even allowed to contest the HCA elections simply because I exposed the corruption within the system."

The HCA has now been directed not to use Mohammad Azharuddin's name on any IPL 2025 tickets. The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is set to host several upcoming matches, including three Sunrisers Hyderabad home games, Qualifier 1, and the Eliminator.

Interestingly, the petition did not just request the removal of Azharuddin's name. It also proposed that the North Pavilion Stand be renamed after Hyderabad's legendary batsman VVS Laxman. The petition requested not only that the stadium boards be changed, but also that all tickets and official materials reflect the new name.

The petitioner concluded by urging the Ombudsman to issue more directives to ensure justice and transparency.