HCA Directed to Remove Azharuddin's Name from Uppal Stadium Stand

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 Uppal, Hyderabad. They have also been told not to print his name on any tickets from now on. This decision was given by Justice V Eswaraiah, who is the Ethics Officer and Ombudsman of the HCA, on Saturday.

The Ombudsman responded to a complaint made by the Lord's Cricket Club. He said it was a clear case of conflict of interest because Azharuddin, who is a former India captain and also a former president of the HCA, made a decision that personally benefited him.

Club Wants WS Laxman Stand Name Back

"The fact that there has been no ratification/modification of the decision by the General Body further strengthens the case against the Respondent No. 1 (Azharuddin), as the Respondent No. 1 has exceeded his authority to benefit himself. In consequence of my findings, a clear case of conflict of interest is made out," Justice V Eswaraiah declared in his 25-page verdict.

The Petitioner, the Lords Cricket Club, has requested the Ombudsman to cancel what they called the "high-handed" decision made by Azharuddin to rename the North Stand as the Mohammed Azharuddin Stand. They have asked that it continue to be known as the WS Laxman Stand "for all practical purposes, including but not limited to signages, printing of tickets, etc, and pass any such order or orders as are deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and in the interest of justice."

It was argued that Azharuddin’s action is illegal and unfair, as there was no decision taken by the General Body or the Apex Council to put up the name "Mohammed Azharuddin Stand" above the "WS Laxman Pavilion".

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