The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has been directed to remove Mohammed Azharuddin’s name from the North Pavilion Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal in a significant move. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the ruling was issued by HCA Ethics Officer and Ombudsman Justice V Eswaraiah. It states that Azharuddin acted in violation of conflict of interest rules during his time as HCA president. The directive came following a complaint filed by the Lords Cricket Club (LCC), which raised concerns over Azharuddin’s role in renaming the stand after himself during his presidential tenure, without proper approval. The stand was previously named after former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman. In the 25-page judgment, Justice Eswaraiah observed: “The fact that there has been no ratification/modification of the decision by the General Body further strengthens the case against the Respondent No. 1 (Azharuddin), as the Respondent No. 1 has exceeded his authority to benefit himself. In consequence of my findings, a clear case of conflict of interest is made out.” Lords Cricket Club calls for reinstatement of Laxman’s name The petitioner cited Rule 38 of the HCA constitution, which prohibits Apex Council members from making decisions that serve their personal interests. The club requested that Azharuddin’s name be removed and the original “VVS Laxman Pavilion” be reinstated “for all practical purposes, including but not limited to signages, printing of tickets, etc.” Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs LSG Clash Sparks Frenzy on Twitter Additionally, the HCA has been ordered not to print any tickets carrying Azharuddin’s name for the remainder of IPL 2025. Notably, the stadium will still be hosting the remaining five matches of IPL 2025. This includes three of SRH's home games along with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator. LCC treasurer Somna Misra welcomed the verdict, saying, “This decision reinforces our commitment to transparency and integrity. We thank the authorities for their fair and just evaluation.” The development is seen as a major setback for Azharuddin, who served as HCA president between 2019 and 2023. The issue has once again spotlighted ongoing governance challenges within the association.