The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has ordered the removal of Mohammad Azharuddin’s name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, following conflict of interest allegations. The directive was issued by Justice V Eswaraiah, HCA’s Ethics Officer and Ombudsman, in response to a formal complaint filed by Lord’s Cricket Club.
The petition accused Azharuddin, a former India captain and ex-HCA president, of taking decisions that benefited his personal interests during his tenure. The Ombudsman reportedly found enough merit in the claims to instruct immediate removal of Azharuddin’s name from all official materials, including IPL 2025 match tickets.
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Azharuddin has publicly expressed disappointment, saying the move was painful and disrespectful to his contributions to Indian cricket. He criticised the current state of cricket administration, alleging that unqualified individuals were now in control. He also hinted at legal action and urged the BCCI to intervene. He further claimed he was barred from contesting recent HCA elections due to his stand against internal corruption.
The controversy has emerged as the stadium prepares to host key IPL fixtures, including games involving Sunrisers Hyderabad and the tournament playoffs.
In a further development, the petitioners also proposed that the stand be renamed in honour of VVS Laxman, another cricketing great from Hyderabad. They requested that the new name be used in all signage and promotional materials going forward.
The episode has reignited debate around transparency in cricket governance and the treatment of former players. As IPL 2025 continues, the spotlight remains on HCA’s internal affairs, with calls for accountability growing louder.