'The HCA has not done anything wrong' - Mohammad Azharuddin denies irregularities in ticket sales

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president Mohammad Azharuddin has stated that the association has nothing to do with ticket sales. His statement came after chaos erupted at Gymkhana Grounds in Hyderabad during ticket sales on Thursday (September 22). Many were injured during the stampede near the ground as fans blamed the association for the poor organization regarding ticket sales.

Hyderabad will host the third T20I match between India and Australia on Sunday (September 25). Fans gathered in large numbers to collect the tickets they booked online on Paytm and other platforms. But authorities and police were unable to control the crowd as more than 20 fans reportedly suffered multiple injuries during the stampede.

How there can be irregularities when the tickets were sold online: Mohammad Azharuddin

On Friday, police registered three cases against Azharuddin and HCA on behalf of injured victims. But the former Indian captain has clarified that the association has nothing to do with ticket distribution as it was Paytm's responsibility. 

“All the reports about irregularities in sale of tickets for the match are baseless. If anyone proves that corruption has taken place in the sale of tickets, strict action will be taken. I don’t know how these reports of discrepancies in ticket sales have cropped up. The HCA has not done anything wrong in this regard. I wonder how there can be irregularities when the tickets were sold online,” Azharuddin said.

The legendary batter also appealed to the media to check the association's official website if they want to find out any discrepancies in financial matters. Azharuddin also added that the association regrets what happened during ticket sales and is looking after the injured fans. “Yes, we regret and feel sad for whatever had happened at Gymkhana Grounds. The HCA is taking care of the injured.”

However, the HCA secretary, R Vijayanad, has agreed that there were some troubles in maintaining the ground due to the Covid-19 outbreak but assured that the association will take all the measures before the third T20I on Sunday. “Because of COVID, the stadium couldn’t be maintained properly. Now, we are taking all measures for spectators before Sunday’s match,” R Vijayanand said.