Former Team India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin is all set to make a historical comeback into the team after Andhra Pradesh High Court has lifted the life ban against him. As soon as the justice was delivered in favor of the stylish player from Hyderabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) authorities reacted by saying that they require time to go through the court’s decision. Surprising all the cricket fans in the country and abroad, the board has now decided to induct Azharuddin (49) back into the national side for the third Test against England at Kolkata.
Mixed responses were generated ever since all these events turned out of which some were in favour of the disgraced player and some were against him. Mohammad Azharuddin, currently serving as the CongressMP of Moradabad, has always maintained that he was never involved in the match-fixing controversy of whatsoever. However, it was back in 2000 that the BCCI has decided to ban the batsman for life once the whole issue started began with the confessions of former South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje. Serious allegations were leveled against several players at that time including Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar but the charges were never proved.
BCCI president N Srinivasan, who owns India Cements, has taken the landmark decision after a meeting involving Sandeep Patil, chairman of the national selection committee, has decided to reinstate Azharuddin back into the team. Interestingly, the former Team India captain has played exactly 99 Tests in his entire career and has been stranded at the 100th Test. However, the decision taken by BCCI now allows him to play one more Test to complete a century. Though it has been 12 long years that he was involved in mainstream cricketing events, Azharuddin has maintained his fitness levels perfectly.
Everyone on the board including Sandeep Patil and Roger Binny were keen to have Azhar back into the team. Interestingly, they both have played so much of cricket with the former India captain. Meanwhile, IPL chief Rajeev Shukla who replaced Lalit Modi too has confirmed that it has been decided unanimously to reinstate Azhar back into the team. As far as the age matter is considered, there are several cricketers representing other teams who have played late in the forties. It was Jack Hobbs who was into mainstream cricket till he reached 48. He even scored a hundred at the age of 46. So, the age factor is hardly a matter of concern.
The situation in the dressing room will be a lot different in case Azharuddin gets back into the fold. Firstly, a lot of pressure will be relieved from Sachin Tendulkar as he is the most senior player in the team and who bears maximum responsibility. Also, the experience of Azhar will come in handy for rank new players that will be helpful in facing English cricketers easily. The BCCI is optimistic that everything will be a smooth sail by rallying behind him. Moreover, a positive response came from the former skipper after he rubbished off any steps whether an action would be taken against BCCI.
