HCA told to drop Azharuddin’s name from tickets and signage

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been directed to remove the name of Mohammed Azharuddin from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. The association has also been instructed to ensure that Azharuddin’s name does not appear on any future tickets for the venue.

This order was issued by Justice V Eswaraiah, the Ethics Officer and Ombudsman of the HCA, following a petition filed by the Lords Cricket Club.

In a 25-page verdict, Justice Eswaraiah observed that Azharuddin, a former Indian cricket captain and ex-president of the HCA, had acted in a conflict of interest by naming the stand after himself. The ruling stated that the move lacked approval or ratification by the HCA General Body, indicating an overreach of authority for personal gain.

“The absence of ratification or modification by the General Body further supports the conclusion that Respondent No. 1 (Azharuddin) acted beyond his powers for self-benefit,” noted Justice Eswaraiah.

The petition from Lords Cricket Club described the decision as “high-handed” and urged the Ombudsman to restore the original name—VVS Laxman Stand—for all official and practical purposes, including signage and ticket printing.

The petitioner argued that Azharuddin’s actions were arbitrary and illegal, as there was no official resolution from the HCA’s General Body or Apex Council authorizing the renaming of the North Stand.