I will give my best to revive the game, claims Mohammad Azharuddin after being elected HCA President
Mohammad Azharuddin has stated that he intends to transform the way things are presently on Hyderabad’s cricketing circuit starting from the grassroots and include everyone who loves cricket to make a change. He further revealed his excitement and nervousness having won by a good margin.
Mohammad Azharuddin cut a happy figure on Friday after achieving a landmark win in his first-ever elections for the post of Hyderabad Cricket Association President. Moreover, his team was equally successful, claiming all the six available spots in the apex council. The 56-year-old has had to stay long periods of time away from the gentleman’s game but now he is in pole position to offer his experience and understanding of the game for its development.
"There are only three things on my mind right now - cricket, cricket, cricket," he was quoted saying to Deccan Chronicle after his appointment, reported ESPNCricinfo.
One of India’s most dynamic and fearless skippers in history, he was banned from the game for life by the BCCI in 2000 for alleged involvement in match-fixing activities. Though the same was deemed to be invalid by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012, he was not allowed to contest the elections two years ago since the presiding officers refused to accept his nomination papers as they were doubtful about the influential batsman’s status. However, after a long journey, Azharuddin has managed to reach where he wanted to be.
"We will have to restructure everything and turn things around. Look at the state of Gymkhana ground, it's left for the cows to graze. We need to get to the grassroots and unearth talent now. The members have done their job, mine starts now. I know it won't be easy but I will give my best to revive the game which has suffered a lot in the last three years. We will seek support from all the club secretaries and take the game forward. Their suggestions as well as those of cricket enthusiasts will be more than welcome," he explained his future plans.
On being asked if he felt nervous, he used his international debut in 1984 as an example, when he had gone on to hit an unprecedented three centuries in his first three matches, a record that still stands. Azharuddin, however, is used to the pressure of elections, having served as a Member of Parliament for a complete term.
"Just a bit. Back then I had worked very hard for close to 15 years to get into the Indian team and was very nervous when I played my first Test. Here, we worked as a team and campaigned hard and knew the result straightaway. There are tense moments in any election, as I know anything can happen - having contested two general elections - but I was confident I would win this one. It's a big victory though,” the former cricketer expressed.
He had retired with more than 15,000 runs to his name in the international arena with 29 centuries to his name across formats while having a record number of victories as the Indian captain at the time.
"I am really looking forward to BCCI meetings because I have so much to offer, having played the game for quite a while. I have represented the BCCI on teams but now to deal with the board as an administrator will be different - this should be much easier than playing," he signed off.
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