Mohammad Azharuddin, once revered as one of India’s finest cricket captains, has been no stranger to controversy. From the infamous match-fixing scandal that ended his cricketing career to his tumultuous personal life, Azharuddin’s post-cricket journey has been marred by setbacks. Now, once again, the former skipper finds himself in the news for all the wrong reasons, embroiled in a fresh controversy surrounding alleged financial misdeeds during his tenure as the President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the 61-year-old Azharuddin to explain his role in an alleged Rs. 20 crore misappropriation case involving the procurement of diesel generators, firefighting systems, and canopies for Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium. However, the former cricketer-turned-politician failed to appear for questioning, raising eyebrows and casting further doubt on his innocence. Azharuddin’s return to cricket administration was seen by many as a chance for redemption – a man whose career was cut short by scandal finally given a chance to contribute to the sport he loves. Unfortunately, the latest accusations paint a different picture. According to sources, multiple FIRs filed by Hyderabad’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have put Azharuddin’s tenure under the scanner. Investigations suggest serious irregularities in the procurement process, with office bearers, including Azharuddin, allegedly bypassing tender processes and awarding contracts at inflated prices to preferred vendors. The result? Cost overruns, delays, and an embarrassing misuse of funds that were supposed to enhance the infrastructure of one of India’s key cricket stadiums.
This isn’t a simple case of financial mismanagement; it is a gross violation of public trust. The ED’s investigation, bolstered by forensic audits, has revealed a pattern of transactions deemed “not genuine” and “detrimental” to the HCA’s interests. Digital devices and incriminating documents seized during raids last year provide further evidence of the rampant corruption that Azharuddin allegedly oversaw during his presidency. The deeper one digs into the details, the worse it looks for Azharuddin. Not only were tenders awarded to contractors arbitrarily, but advance payments were also made without any work being done. The entire operation reeks of collusion between HCA officials and private contractors to siphon off public money – a betrayal of the cricketing community and the fans who place their trust in the sport’s governing bodies. In typical Azharuddin fashion, he has avoided facing the music, skipping his first summons to appear before the ED. Whether he will honour the second one on Tuesday (Oct 8) remains to be seen, but the cricketer should be well aware of the consequences of dodging such high-stakes inquiries. His involvement in this scandal, combined with his reluctance to cooperate with authorities, could lead to serious legal ramifications, including the possibility of arrest. For a man already tainted by match-fixing allegations, another scandal of this magnitude could be the final nail in the coffin of his public life.
What is perhaps most disappointing is that Azharuddin’s fall from grace once again overshadows his early accomplishments. His cricketing prowess, graceful batting, and captaincy, which led India to numerous victories, are all but forgotten in the wake of these controversies. His political career, which began on a promising note when he won a seat in Parliament from Moradabad in 2009, has now been reduced to a mere footnote. His current role as working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) is similarly overshadowed by these fresh allegations, leaving his political future uncertain. Incidentally, Azharuddin’s recent attempt to re-enter active politics by contesting the last assembly elections from the Jubilee Hills constituency also fell flat, further adding to his string of setbacks. Azharuddin has often been seen as a man who has had to deal with more lows than highs after retiring from cricket. From the match-fixing ban to the personal tragedies, including the untimely death of his son, Azharuddin’s life has been far from smooth. But where some might see a victim of unfortunate circumstances, others will see a man who has repeatedly made poor choices, bringing misfortune upon himself.As the investigation continues, Azharuddin must confront the reality that his actions have consequences—not just for himself, but for the sport and the institution he once represented. Will he respect the law and cooperate with the investigation, or will he continue to evade the authorities, tarnishing his reputation even further? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the man who once led Indian cricket to glory is now struggling to salvage his own legacy.
