Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin expressed deep regret over his cricket career on April 22, 2025, after the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was ordered to remove his name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
The Times of India reported that Justice V. Eswaraiah, the ethics officer of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), issued an order following a petition from the Lord’s Cricket Club. This petition raised concerns about allegations of favouritism, conflicts of interest, and misconduct involving Azharuddin during his tenure as HCA president.
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin said that he has plans to approach the Telangana High Court, seeking an order on the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Ombudsman's order to remove his name from the North Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
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— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 20, 2025As part of the directive, his name has been banned from IPL 2025 tickets, given that the stadium will host three Sunrisers Hyderabad matches and two playoff games. Additionally, the club has proposed renaming the stand after VVS Laxman.
Azharuddin called the move a “disgrace” and urged the BCCI to intervene, stating, “I exposed corruption in HCA, and that truth made me a target.” He described the situation as “beyond comprehension” and personally hurtful.
Azharuddin, who led India in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs, feels his legacy is under attack, leaving him disillusioned with cricket.
