ED summons Mohammed Azharuddin in HCA case, ex-cricketer skips

Former Indian cricket captain and Congress politician Mohammad Azharuddin did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged financial irregularities at the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The 61-year-old, who previously served as a Member of Parliament, was summoned to provide his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on October 3 but requested additional time. He has since been issued a fresh summons for October 8.

The ongoing investigation relates to alleged financial misconduct within the HCA, for which the ED conducted searches in November last year. The agency had targeted former office bearers of the HCA, including Shivlal Yadav, Gaddam Vinod, and Arshad Ayub, as well as the office of S S Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and the residential premises of its managing director, Satyanarayana.

Azharuddin's involvement during his presidency at the HCA is under scrutiny, with the ED examining claims stemming from three FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The allegations suggest criminal misappropriation of approximately Rs 20 crore.


The charge sheets detail serious irregularities in procurement practices for essential equipment and infrastructure at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. They assert that various projects experienced significant delays, leading to escalated costs and financial losses for the HCA.

Investigators allege that HCA office bearers, in collusion with private entities, awarded contracts to preferred vendors at inflated rates without adhering to proper tendering processes. Additionally, advance payments were reportedly made to contractors who failed to complete any work.

Last year’s ED raids resulted in the seizure of digital devices, incriminating documents, and unaccounted cash totaling Rs 10.39 lakh.

Azharuddin, who launched his political career by winning the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh in 2009, currently serves as the working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC). There has been no immediate response from him regarding the recent developments.

(With inputs from PTI)