'Mohammed Azharuddin Stand' to be removed from Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

The North Pavilion at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will remove Mohammed Azharuddin's name, following a ruling by Justice V. Eswarahia, Ombudsman of the HCA.

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The North Pavilion stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is set to remove Mohammed Azharuddin's name. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been directed to remove the former Indian skipper's name and asked to use it on the match tickets as well. The order was passed on April 19 by Justice V. Eswarahia, Ethics Officer and Ombudsman of the HCA.

The decision came in response to a petition filed by the Lord Cricket Club, which alleged that Azharuddin had unilaterally named the stand after himself during his tenure as HCA president. This move has been deemed to be a clear case of conflict.

In a detailed 25-page verdict, Justice Eswaraiah stated, “The fact that there has been no ratification or modification of the decision by the General Body further strengthens the case against Respondent No. 1 (Azharuddin), as the Respondent has exceeded his authority to benefit himself. A clear case of conflict of interest is made out.”

North Pavilion stand to be named after VVS Laxman

Following the ruling, the HCA has been directed to remove the former Indian batter's name from the stand and stop printing it on the tickets as well. Additionally, the Ombudsman also reinforced that all references should be reverted to the "VVS Laxman Pavilion", as originally designated.

The Lords Cricket Club, in its plea, had criticised Azharuddin's actions as "high-handed" and lacking any formal approval from the association's Apex Council. They requested that the pavilion be referred to solely as the "VVS Laxman Stand" across signage, tickets, and all official documentation.

VVS Laxman, who is currently heading the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, hails from Hyderabad. The legendary batter used to be "Very Very Special Laxman" during his tenure as a player in the Indian cricket team. The former Indian batter VVS Laxman represented India in 134 Tests and 84 ODIs. He was known for his clean stroke play and getting the team out of tough situations.

This development marks a critical moment for the Hyderabad Cricket Association, as the focus is clearly on being more transparent and accountable while making administrative decisions.

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