Former cricketer Azharuddin sent notice by ED in money laundering case, cricketer asks for time

ED  Summons Azharuddin: Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case involving the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Meanwhile this case had been in the news recently due to controversies. However this will be the first time, former cricketer Azharuddin has been summoned by the ED.

 Summoned in money laundering case

A legendary batsman Mohammad Azharuddin has been called by the ED in a money laundering case While he is accused of misusing funds worth Rs 20 crore. This case is related to the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Though the former cricketer, was asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad today itself. However, he did not appear and asked for time.

ED may issue summons to him again

Meanwhile Azharuddin has also been the President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.Even though he is facing serious allegations of misusing funds during his tenure. While this case relates to the alleged misuse of Rs 20 crore allocated for the purchase of diesel generators, fire fighting systems and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. The ED had conducted searches in November last year in connection with the case.

Serious irregularities

ED chargesheet states that several works were delayed inordinately, which not only led to cost overruns but also resulted in serious financial losses to HCA. It is also learnt that HCA officials did not follow proper tendering procedures and in many cases awarded contracts even before quotations were receive

Impact on political careers

The allegations levelled against Mohammad Azharuddin are serious and may impact his political and personal careers as the investigation in the case progresses. Now it remains to be seen in which direction the ED's action in this case proceeds and what new revelations are made. Azharuddin will get an important opportunity to clarify his position.

Mohammad Azharuddin's career

All though Azharuddin played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs for India. He has 6215 runs in Tests at an average of 45.04 and 9378 runs in ODIs at an average of 36.92. He scored 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries in Tests, while he scored seven centuries and 58 half-centuries in ODIs. Apart from this, Azharuddin has also taken 12 wickets in ODIs. His best score in Tests has been 199 runs and 153 runs in ODIs.

Became the captain of Team India in 1990

In the meanwhile Azharuddin was made the captain of the Indian team in place of Srikkanth for the tour of New Zealand in 1990. He led India in most ODIs and Tests in the 90s and is one of India's most successful captains. He won 103 ODIs and 14 Tests as captain.

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Accused of match fixing in 2000

In the year 2000, Azharuddin was accused of match fixing Azharuddin.  Then South African captain Hansie Cronje in his confession to match-fixing indicated that Azharuddin had introduced him to some bookies. However the CBI have been investigated and published a scathing report on the state of world cricket naming prominent Indian cricketers, with Azhar's name at the top. Despite pleading innocence, the BCCI banned him from playing cricket for life in 2000.

Mohammad Azharudd  joined the Congress party on 19 February 2009 and began his political journey.