Mohammad Azharuddin Fights Back Over Stand Removal at Uppal Stadium
Cricket fans across the nation are witnessing an emotionally charged episode in Hyderabad cricket history as former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin finds himself at the center of a controversial move—the removal of his name from a stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. Azharuddin, who led India with distinction for nearly a decade, is deeply disappointed by what he sees as a betrayal of his legacy.
Just a few years ago, in 2019, the North Stand at the Uppal stadium was renamed in his honor, replacing the earlier “VVS Laxman Pavilion.” At the time, Azharuddin was the president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), and his contributions to cricket in Hyderabad were considered immense, both on and off the field. However, this move has now come under scrutiny, with allegations of a conflict of interest filed by the Lords Cricket Club, a Hyderabad-based cricket entity.
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According to the petition, Azharuddin had no authority to name the stand after himself, citing Rule 38 of the HCA’s Memorandum of Association, which bars any Apex Council member from making decisions in their own favor. The Ethics Officer and HCA Ombudsman, Justice V Eswaraiah, upheld this view and ruled in favor of removing Azharuddin’s name. The stand is now expected to revert to its previous name, the VVS Laxman Pavilion.
Azharuddin, visibly upset, has responded with both hurt and resolve. “Seventeen years of service to Indian cricket, nearly ten of those as captain—this is the thanks you get? It's shameful,” he said. “There is no conflict of interest here. This is not just a personal attack; it’s an insult to all cricketers who have given their blood and sweat for the game. We’re taking this matter to court. One hundred percent.”
He also expressed that this incident could be seen as emblematic of how former players are treated once they're no longer in power. “The cricketing world will laugh at what’s going on in Hyderabad,” he added, clearly shaken but determined to defend his name and contribution to Indian cricket.
While the Lords Cricket Club has welcomed the decision, citing it as a victory for transparency and ethical governance, for many fans and former players, the move raises difficult questions about the balance between administrative rules and the recognition of cricketing greatness.
In a time where cricket often struggles to balance its rich traditions with evolving governance norms, this episode serves as a powerful reminder: legacy is not just about rules and regulations, it’s also about respect. And for Mohammad Azharuddin, that respect is something he’s not ready to give up without a fight.
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