HCA divided over candidature of Mohammad Azharuddin as next president

The Hyderabad cricket fraternity has found themselves in a fix. They various men who matter in the association are of mixed opinion in response to the candidature of Mohammad Azharuddin as the next state association president. The former Indian cricketer was banned for life after being involved in a spot-fixing scandal.

This is the primary reason why some people feel he is not the right man to take over. The recent recommendations made by the Lodha Panel and the Supreme Court has resulted in ouster of several top officials. Many officials did not meet the requirements for their position. Amidst such situation, the 99-Test veteran Mohammad Azharuddin has a fair chance to make the top cut.

One of the former Hyderabadi ne of the former Hyderabadi cricketer mentioned that the state association in known fro corrupt practices. With Azhar having been involved in such money related scandals before, he certainly cannot be trusted with the top role.

He quoted, “The main problem with HCA is lack of integrity among office bearers where money has been siphoned off. Prejudice and exchange of money play a part in player selection. Into such a scenario enters a former India captain whose name was sullied by allegations of match-fixing. Hyderabad cricket will have to take a call on whether he will be the right man to lead the administration team.”

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The manager of Team India of 1983 World Cup, Mr. PR Mansingh has a different opinion though. He believes that Mohammad Azharuddin in more than qualified for the post and must take over especially after having been cleared of all charges laid against him. “And since the Andhra Pradesh High court in 2012 exonerated him of match-fixing charges and the BCCI did not challenge the verdict in a higher court, he has to be deemed to be clean,” he quoted.

Another man who supports Azhar’s inclusion in state affairs is former cricketer Vijay Mohan Raj. He cited that Azhar has not been an active member of the association. Given the experience he has, he will be a value addition to the team management. “He has neither been in administration nor in a coaching role. But it would be nice to have someone who has not been entrenched in the power centres. He is passionate about the game and gives it 100 percent,” said Raj.