‘I Regret Playing Cricket’: Mohammad Azharuddin Shocks Fans with Emotional Outburst
In a startling and emotional revelation, former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has admitted to regretting his illustrious cricket career amid a bitter controversy with the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The veteran cricketer expressed profound disappointment over the HCA Ombudsman’s directive to strip his name from the North Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, calling the decision a ‘complete disgrace to the sport’.
Azharuddin, who led India in 47 Test matches and 174 ODIs during the 1990s, did not mince words when speaking to IANS. ‘It pains me deeply to say this, but I sometimes regret having played cricket. It’s heartbreaking to see individuals with little to no understanding of the game now in positions to teach and lead. It’s a complete disgrace to the sport,’ the 60-year-old said, his voice heavy with emotion.
The decision to remove Azharuddin’s name from the stadium stand, which was named in his honor in 2019, was made by Justice (Retd) V. Eswaraiah, the HCA’s ethics officer. This followed a petition by Lords Cricket Club, a member unit of the state association, alleging that Azharuddin misused his position during his tenure as HCA president from September 2019 to September 2023. The petition specifically cited a resolution passed during an Apex Council meeting in December 2019—barely a month after he assumed office—to name the North Stand after him, a decision reportedly made without the mandatory approval of the HCA General Body.
Azharuddin, known for his elegant batting and record-breaking feats as one of India’s most successful captains, hit back at the allegations, labeling them as a personal vendetta. ‘What’s unfolding is beyond comprehension, and it hurts me on a personal level. I was barred from contesting the HCA elections simply because I exposed the corruption within the system. That truth made me a target,’ he lamented.
Determined to fight the injustice, the former skipper announced his intention to pursue legal action and called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene. ‘I am resolved to take legal steps against this injustice, and I urge the BCCI to step in and take appropriate action. This issue isn’t isolated – even Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL franchise, has had disputes with the association over passes, highlighting a pattern of mismanagement and conflict,’ Azharuddin added, referencing broader issues within the HCA.
The controversy has cast a shadow over Azharuddin’s legacy, both as a player and administrator. With 6,215 runs in 99 Tests and a reputation for turning Indian cricket into a competitive force in limited-overs formats, his contributions to the game are undeniable. Yet, this episode underscores the often tumultuous relationship between cricket’s past heroes and modern administrative bodies in India.
As the saga unfolds, fans and stakeholders alike await the BCCI’s response to Azharuddin’s plea. Will this be a turning point for transparency in cricket administration, or will it deepen the rift between players and officials? Only time will tell, but for now, Azharuddin’s heartbreak resonates as a stark reminder of the challenges that linger off the field in the Gentleman’s Game.