Ex-Indian Cricketer Mohd Azharuddin Challenges Contempt Notice in SC Over Nalgonda Cricket Association Dispute

Mohammed Azharuddin, former captain of the Indian cricket team and President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a contempt notice issued by the Telangana High Court in relation to a dispute involving the Nalgonda Cricket Association.

Azharuddin’s counsel, Senior Advocate Ramkanth Reddy, requested an adjournment of the matter, which was granted by a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and SV Bhatti.

The case has been adjourned for next week.

The dispute originated when the Nalgonda district cricket association filed a petition before the Telangana High Court in 2021, seeking permission from the Hyderabad cricket association to participate in the 2-day league for the 2021-22 season.

The High Court granted an interim order in favor of the Nalgonda association. Additionally, the association filed a related petition before the High Court, requesting the implementation of orders issued by the Ombudsman Justice (Retd.) Narasimha Reddy in 2018.

These orders entitle the Nalgonda association to the benefits of being an affiliated member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, including participation in meetings, matches, and tournaments.

During the proceedings, Azharuddin’s counsel informed the High Court that the Nalgonda association had been permitted to participate in all tournaments conducted by the Hyderabad Cricket Association, a statement that was recorded by the court.

Subsequently, the court directed that the Nalgonda association be allowed to participate in all tournaments during the current cricket season. However, in 2023, the Nalgonda association filed a contempt case alleging deliberate disobedience of the High Court’s orders issued in 2022.

Consequently, the High Court issued a notice to Mohammed Azharuddin, summoning him to appear personally in the contempt case.

In February 2022, the Apex Court had ordered the conduct of elections in the Hyderabad Cricket Association under the supervision of former Supreme Court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao.