Whether he once batted stylishly on the cricket field or not, the question now gripping everyone’s attention is — how will Mohammad Azharuddin bat as a Minister? The former Indian cricket captain, now sworn in as a Minister in the Telangana government, is under intense public scrutiny. The reason: a long list of corruption allegations, pending court cases, and ongoing investigations that could test his political innings.

Amid these serious issues, political circles and the public are keenly watching how Azharuddin navigates through these challenges. The Governor had earlier received a complaint urging not to nominate him as an MLC, raising fresh questions now that he has been appointed Minister.

Azharuddin’s cricket career, once celebrated across the world, ended abruptly after match-fixing allegations surfaced in 2000. He was banned by the BCCI and faced a CBI probe that concluded he maintained close ties with bookies and accepted bribes. Although the Hyderabad City Civil Court and later the High Court overturned the ban, the damage to his career had already been done.

Now, as he takes charge as a Minister, the same shadow of allegations returns. With ongoing criminal cases, ED summons, and multiple FIRs registered against him during his tenure as President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Azharuddin’s political credibility is under the scanner. Many are questioning whether he will maintain integrity and transparency in public office or repeat his controversial past.

BJP leader Daram Gurava Reddy had, in early September, submitted a memorandum to the Governor opposing Azharuddin’s nomination as MLC. The petition cited multiple pending criminal cases, corruption allegations, and ongoing ED investigations, claiming that appointing such a person to a constitutional position would be unethical and unconstitutional.

Despite the Governor not clearing his MLC nomination, the state government went ahead and made him a Minister — a move that has now triggered sharp debate. Observers note that it is essential for Azharuddin to clear his name from these allegations and demonstrate a corruption-free image if he wants to regain public trust.

There are also reports that Azharuddin may be allotted the Minority Welfare and Sports portfolios, both with multi-thousand-crore budgets — raising the stakes even higher. 

Given his controversial past in financial dealings, the public and analysts alike are watching how he handles these responsibilities.

It is being questioned how an individual facing multiple corruption and criminal cases could be nominated as MLC or appointed Minister. The Governor’s office reportedly kept his nomination pending due to ethical and legal objections. As HCA President between 2020 and 2023, several corruption allegations were registered against him. Rachakonda Police booked four FIRs over irregularities.

FIR No. 1137/2023 alleges that Azharuddin sanctioned fire-fighting equipment tenders at 248 percent higher prices than the market value. The case was filed under Sections 406, 409, 420, 465, 467, 471, and 120B IPC. FIR No. 1138/2023 involves a collusive contract with SARA Sports, causing a loss of 57 lakh rupees to the HCA, with the same IPC sections applied. FIR No. 1139/2023 pertains to conspiratorial agreements with several companies, while FIR No. 1140/2023 concerns 3.85 crore rupees worth of financial irregularities, later leading to ED intervention under money laundering suspicion. Azharuddin appeared before the ED in October 2024. Officials also seized 10.39 lakh rupees in cash from HCA premises. Allegations suggest that 20 crore rupees in fraud occurred during his tenure.

In the 2000 match-fixing case, CBI’s investigation revealed he accepted 50 lakh rupees from bookies and maintained connections with underworld figures, leading to a lifetime ban by BCCI’s disciplinary committee. In 2022, the Telangana High Court issued directions that Azharuddin allegedly failed to implement. His affidavit was rejected in April 2023, and he was asked to resubmit a clearer one. The High Court’s contempt notice prompted Azharuddin to move the Supreme Court in July 2023, which adjourned the case, and it remains pending.

At Uppal Police Station on October 18, 2023, four FIRs were registered over alleged misappropriation of 3.85 crore rupees during his HCA presidency. He secured anticipatory bail and denied the charges. The HCA Ombudsman’s order to remove his name from the stadium was stayed by the High Court, with proceedings still ongoing. The BCCI Disciplinary Committee in November 2000 banned him after confirming match-fixing. The Hyderabad City Civil Court upheld CBI’s findings, though the High Court in April 2003 later set it aside citing procedural lapses.

A 1.5 crore rupee cheque-bounce case was filed in the Delhi Metropolitan Magistrate Court in January 2011 and was settled out of court with a 15 lakh rupee fine, as mentioned in the BJP leader’s complaint to the Governor. A 20.96 lakh rupee air-ticket fraud case was registered under Sections 420, 406, and 34 IPC at Aurangabad City Chowk Police Station on January 22, 2020, according to the same complaint.

As Azharuddin steps into ministerial office, the burden of these allegations looms large. Political analysts believe his foremost challenge is to maintain transparency and rebuild credibility. Given his past controversies in cricket and administration, the coming months will reveal whether he can bat straight in politics or if his innings will once again end under a cloud of suspicion.