Former Indian cricket team captain Mohammad Azharuddin lashed out against the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday, alleging that it was not implementing reforms suggested by the Lodha Committee.
Azhar was not allowed to contest for the post of HCA President earlier this year, after returning officer K Rajeev Reddy cited the ban imposed on the cricketer by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his alleged involvement in match-fixing.
Speaking to media persons on Saturday, Azhar said, "The present body is misleading everybody. They have announced that they have implemented the Lodha Committee reforms in toto but have not made any effort to implement many of the points. They should resign and fresh elections should be conducted.”
Finding fault with the Senior Selection Committee, he added that, “As per Lodha Committee recommendations, only those who have played more than 25 first class matches can be appointed as selectors. On the HCA panel, only Arvind Shetty qualifies."
PTI quoted Azhar saying, "The purpose of my press conference is to bring in (to) the notice of the Supreme Court, the misconduct and blatant disregard of the judgements of theSC-appointed Lodha Committee. I urge all of you in the media, to bring to light the daring misconduct and the sorry state of affairs of HCA and all sorts of misuse happening there."
However, HCA President G Vivekanand denied the allegations, telling PTI, “The Committee of Administrators are there. They are looking into the implementation of the Lodha Committee reforms. The issue is sub-judice. If anything is there, he (Azharuddin) can go to the Supreme Court."
In January this year, Azhar argued he could not be prevented from contesting the HCA elections as the court had struck down the ban on him.
When reminded that the BCCI had not officially lifted its ban on him, Azhar said the board did not challenge the court order.
"I respect the BCCI but these are things beyond my control. I had a rough time, but I don't want to blame anyone," he had said.
Azhar said his sole intention in contesting the election was to contribute whatever he can to the promotion of the game but he was being prevented from doing this.
IANS inputs