Hyderabad Cricket Association directed to remove Azharuddin's name from stadium stand

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been instructed to remove Mohammed Azharuddin's name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. This directive follows allegations of Azharuddin's biased conduct during his tenure as association president. Justice V Eswaraiah, the HCA's Ethics Officer and Ombudsman, issued this order on Saturday.

Conflict of Interest Claims

Cricbuzz reports that this decision was initiated by a petition from Lords Cricket Club, claiming a conflict of interest. The club argues that Azharuddin used his presidential role at HCA for personal gain. Justice Eswaraiah's 25-page ruling stated, "The lack of ratification or modification by the General Body underscores the respondent's self-serving actions."

Ticket Printing Halted

The HCA is also barred from issuing new tickets featuring Azharuddin's name for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Hyderabad is set to host five more matches, including crucial games for Sunrisers Hyderabad and two play-off fixtures.

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Proposal for Renaming

The Lords Cricket Club has suggested that the stand be renamed in honour of VVS Laxman, a celebrated Indian cricketer. The change is intended to be reflected in all signage and future ticketing to promote integrity and fairness.

The petitioning club asserted that Azharuddin's actions were illegal and arbitrary due to the absence of any formal decision by the General Body or Apex Council to name the stand after him instead of "WS Laxman Pavilion."