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HCA orders removal of Ex-India captain Mohammed Azharuddin's name from Uppal Stadium stand: Report

Digital Desk: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been directed to take down Mohammed Azharuddin's name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad after the former India captain faced allegations of bias.

Justice V. Eswaraiah, the HCA's Ethics Officer and Ombudsman, issued the order on Saturday.

According to Cricbuzz, the ombudsman acted on a petition made by the Lords Cricket Club, which noted a clear example of conflict of interest and claimed that Azharuddin, a previous HCA president, influenced the decision during his term.

"The fact that the General Body has not ratified or modified the decision enhances the case against Respondent No. 1 (Azharuddin), who has exceeded his authority to enrich himself. As a result of my findings, a clear case of conflict of interest is established," Justice V. Eswaraiah stated in his 25-page ruling, as published by the website.

According to the report, HCA has also been instructed to stop printing tickets with Azharuddin's name on them going forward for the current IPL 2025 season.

Five games remain for Hyderabad to host, including three more Sunrisers home games, followed by Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.

In addition, the petitioner requested that the Azharuddin stand be renamed the VVS Laxman Pavilion "for all practical purposes, including but not limited to signage, printing of tickets, etc., and pass any such order or orders as are deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and the interest of justice."