Mohammad Azharuddin says he will strive to develop cricket in Hyderabad

While India defeated West Indies in the first T20 at Hyderabad yesterday, there was another important thing that happened right before the match. Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman inaugurated the North Stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium which will be known as the Mohammad Azharuddin Stand.

Azharuddin was present at the event as well and he interacted with the media after the inauguration. The former Indian captain talked about his true cricket spirit besides expressing his gratitude towards the officials. He even revealed how Hyderabad Cricket Association helped the Mumbai Cricket Association for hosting India vs West Indies T20 match.

Mohammad Azharuddin discloses how HCA helped Mumbai Cricket Association

Mohammad Azharuddin is best known for his flick shots and captaincy stint, however, he was once alleged to have fixed cricket matches. Eventually, Azharuddin got a clean chit from the court in that case. During his recent interview, he mentioned that he always played the game to the true spirit.

“I am extremely honoured to be bestowed upon such an honour. I have always played the game in the true spirit and will be striving to develop the game in Hyderabad,” said Azharuddin.

In case you did not know, Wankhede Stadium was scheduled to host the first T20I of this series while Hyderabad would host the third match. But, Mumbai Police’s inability to provide proper security on 6^th November forced the officials to alter the schedule.

Azharuddin, who is also chief of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, revealed how he came forward to help MCA.

“The day Mumbai showed their reluctance to host the first T20, I then and there said to my colleagues, we will host it no matter what. I then contacted BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and the Mumbai Cricket Association officials and after a few parleys managed to convince that Hyderabad is ready to host the match,” said Azharuddin.

He further expressed Hyderabad’s readiness to host international games and signed off by adding, “I am here to serve the game which gave me what I am today. I involved with the administration to take Hyderabad cricket forward and we are ready to host many more international matches in the future when the BCCI asks us come what may.”

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