Azharuddin to contest for HCA president’s post

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has decided to file his nomination for the post of president in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

“I am on way to the HCA office,” Azharuddin told The Hindu on Tuesday.

Citing the Lodha Panel Recommendations that have paved the way for new faces to enter cricket administration, Mr. Azharuddin said, “I want to serve Hyderabad cricket. It is in doldrums now despite the team making it to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals this year. The fact of the matter is that there is no development of the game and there are corruption issues in the HCA. I want to ensure that cricket flourishes in Telangana”.

Mr. Azharuddin emphasised, “My effort is for the betterment of cricket in Telangana. I want the game to come up in the new state. There are many issues that need to be addressed. I have heard stories of nepotism and corruption in selection. In the under-14, six new players are added to the team after every match. This is shocking.”

He also pointed out ill-treatment of talented players. “Hyderabad lost two very good players to Andhra and one went to Bengal. How could the HCA allow them to go and play for other states. Cricket sadly has taken a backseat and that is what I want to change,” said Azharuddin, who played 99 Tests for India and scored a century in each of his first three Tests.