New Delhi/Hyderabad, Nov 8:
Welcoming the Andhra Pradesh High Court verdict setting aside the life ban on him, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin today ruled out taking any legal action against BCCI and was willing to work with it for development of cricket.
“I can’t predict how BCCI will react but it’s totally upto them. As far as I am concerned, I am ready to work for the benefit of cricket and cricketers,” a relieved Azharuddin told reporters at his MP residence in New Delhi, today.
Asked if he would take any legal action against BCCI, the former captain said,”I am not going to take any legal action against any authority and I don’t want to blame anybody for this also. It is about destiny and whatever had to happen has happened. I don’t have any complaints.”
The stylish right-hander from Hyderabad, who will be turning 50 next February said that he always had his conscience clear.
“My conscience was always clear as I haven’t done anything wrong. I have represented my country and had played the game with utmost honesty. I never lost faith and was never a broken man. I didn’t blame anybody and was ready to fight it out in the court of law,” said one of India’s most successful captains.
Apart from his parents, Azhar thanked former India captain Kapil Dev and BCCI president Late Raj Singh Dungarpur for their constant support during the darkest phase of his career.
“I thank Late Raj Singh Dungarpur for his constant support when he was alive. Also Kapil paaji has been very vocal in my support in all forums. So was former BCCI vice-president Kamal Morarka. I also thank all my fans who had stood by me in all these 12 years.”
His career ended at 99 Tests and Azhar doesn’t want to dwell on it.
“May be I was destined to play 99 Test matches and that’s what the Almighty wanted. I would not like to dwell on the past and move on. I am an MP and would like to focus on the development of my constituency Moradabad.”
Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla said,”Our legal team will analyse the judgement. Then only we will react.”
However with Azhar not mulling any legal action, it is expected that the BCCI is likely to soften its stand in near future.
A man who has always preferred answering in monosyllables
During his playing days, Azhar got a bit emotional when there was a reference of his late son Mohammed Ayazuddin who passed away in a tragic bike accident last year.
“What I lost last year is scar that will remain with me forever. Nothing can change that. It was Almighty Allah’s wish but certainly myself and my elder son Abbas (Mohammed Asaduddin) are relieved today.” (PTI)
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