'Hyderabad's IPL 2024 matches suffer from ongoing issues' - Mohammed Azharuddin questions HCA over poor facilities in stadium

Former Hyderabad Cricket Association's (HCA) President and captain of the Indian cricket team, has once again raised concerns about the poor facilities plaguing the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Notably, Azhar highlighted various shortcomings that continue to plague the stadium, even after authorities had promised reforms.

The latest incident that has drawn Azharuddin's anger is the disconnection of the power supply at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium by the State Electricity Board. In the same vein, the former Hyderabad Cricket Association's (HCA) President took to his social media handle to ask some tough questions from the concerned authorities. Mohammad Azharuddin's post paints a harsh picture of the ongoing issues at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. 

"Hyderabad's IPL 2024 matches suffer from ongoing issues: bad toilets, inadequate water facilities, and unauthorized entry persist under HCA's watch. Critics seem blind to these shortcomings. Members are denied tickets while the black market thrives. Even CSK management struggles and has not been given passes for today’s match. Electricity cut due to unpaid dues. The APEX council of HCA promised reform but delivered only chaos. Where's the change?," he wrote on his 'X' handle (formerly Twitter).

Earlier, HCA had reportedly failed to pay dues worth Rs 1.67 crores, leading to the power cut, just ahead of the IPL 2024 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, with the Electricity Board resorting to similar actions before major matches.

Also Read: Power cut off in Hyderabad Stadium due to non-payment of outspanning bills

Electricity also became burning topic during India-England

Mohammed Azharuddin's concerns are not new. Notably, during the first Test between India and England in Hyderabad, similar issues were raised, including difficulties reaching the venue and the confiscation of water bottles and suntan lotions. Videos circulated on social media depicting substandard restroom conditions, indicating a lack of adequate facilities for the visitors. The HCA had then promised reforms, but Azharuddin's tweet suggests little has changed.

Also Read: Power at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium restored ahead of SRH-CSK clash

Azharuddin's critique of the ongoing issues at the Hyderabad stadium serves as a wake-up call for the HCA and the authorities responsible for the venue's management. The iconic stadium will be holding more than six home games of SRH and these issues need to be looked after by the concerned authority for the smooth conduct of the games and the well-being of the spectators.