Azharuddin to contest HCA President’s post

Hyderabad: Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mr. Mohammed Azharuddin filed his nomination for the post of president of Hyderabad Cricket Association.

It is reported that the elections of the association will be held on 27th September. Azharuddin’s candidature was seconded by Adnan Mehmood and Zeeshan Adnan Mehmood.

The present Joint Secretary, Mr. Ajmal Asad filed his nomination for the post of Secretary.

It may be mentioned that Mr. Azharuddin represented Indian Cricket Team consecutively for three world cup series.

Other candidates

The other candidates who filed nominations are: Vikram Mansingh, son of PR Mansingh, former Secretary of HCA. His candidature was seconded by R. Srinivasan and Chandrasekhar.

Mr. Imran Mahmood, member of Junior Selection Committee of HCA filed his nomination for the post of Vice President. His name was suggested by Virender Yadav and G J Sunder Rao. For the post of Treasurer, Mr. G. Srinivas Rao and N. Prakash Rao filed their nominations whereas, for the post of Counsellor, Ms. P. Anuradha filed her nomination.   

It may be recalled that Mr. Azharuddin who represented Indian cricket team in 1984 scored centuries in three consecutive tests and created world record which still remains unbeaten.

Azharuddin’s performance

It may be mentioned that Azharuddin is rated as one of the successful national cricket captains of his era. He represented Indian Cricket Team in 99 test matches and scored 6215 runs. He also led Indian Cricket Team in 334 One Day Internationals and scored 8368 runs.

He played 239 first class matches securing 15855 runs averaging 52.

In various tests, he scored 22 centuries and 21 half centuries.

In test matches, his highest individual score was 199 runs. In One Day International, Azharuddin scored seven centuries and 58 half centuries.

It may be recalled that BCCI had imposed a ban alleging match fixing but AP High Court exonerated him with all the charges.

He had also filed his nomination for the post of President of HCA in 2016 but his nomination was rejected since BCCI had not issued clearance certificate on time.

His fans who accompanied him on the occasion of his filing nomination include Mr. Ajaz Ali Qureshi (Shalimar Cricket XI), Mohammed Maqbool (Charminar Cricket Club), Mohammed Faheem (National Cricket Club), Hanumanth Rao (Amberpet Cricket Club), Chetti Babu (DCC), Naresh Sharma (East Maredpalli Cricket Club), Ajmal Asad (Elegant Cricket Club) and former Secretary of HCA, Mr. John Manoj.

Probable opponents

There are strong chances of Mr. Azharuddin getting elected to this highest office of the association. However, the name of his opponent could not be known yet.

His probable opponent could be Mr. G. Vivek but there is a case of conflict of interest pending in Supreme Court. If Vivek gets relief in this case, he would be the strong opponent of Azharuddin. Another name of Anil is making rounds as his probable opponent.