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'''Mohammad Azharuddin''' (born 8 February 1963) is an [[India]]n [[politician]] and a former [[cricketer]] who also served as the [[Indian national cricket team]]'s captain. He was a right-handed [[Batting order (cricket)|middle order batter]] and an occasional [[Fast bowling|medium fast]] bowler. He played 99 [[Test cricket|Test matches]] and 334 [[One Day International]]s for India. As a captain, he led the team to wins in the [[1990-91 Asia Cup|1990-91]] and [[1995 Asia Cup]]s and reached the semi-finals of the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]].
'''Mohammad Azharuddin''' (born 8 February 1963) is an [[India]]n [[politician]] and a former [[cricketer]] who also served as the [[Indian national cricket team]]'s captain. He was a right-handed [[Batting order (cricket)|middle order batter]] and an occasional [[Fast bowling|medium fast]] bowler. He played 99 [[Test cricket|Test matches]] and 334 [[One Day International]]s for India. As a captain, he led the team to wins in the [[1990-91 Asia Cup|1990-91]] and [[1995 Asia Cup]]s and reached the semi-finals of the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]].


His cricketing career came to an abrupt end in 2000 after he was banned by the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] for life due to his alleged involvement in a [[South Africa cricket match fixing|match fixing scandal]]. In 2012, the [[Andhra Pradesh High Court]] lifted the life ban after appeal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Andhra Pradesh High Court Clears Azhar |url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/the-mohammad-azharuddin-timeline-how-the-cricketer-went-downhill|website=Quint|date=11 May 2016|access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref> In September 2019, he was elected as the president of [[Hyderabad Cricket Association]].<ref name="HCA">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/former-india-captain-mohammad-azharuddin-hca-president-hyderabad-cricket-1604011-2019-09-27|title=Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin elected as HCA president|work=[[India Today]]|date=27 September 2019|access-date=28 September 2019}}</ref>
His cricketing career came to an abrupt end in 2000 after he was banned by the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] for life due to his alleged involvement in a [[South Africa cricket match fixing|match fixing scandal]]. In 2012, the [[Andhra Pradesh High Court]] lifted the life ban after appeal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Andhra Pradesh High Court Clears Azhar |url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/the-mohammad-azharuddin-timeline-how-the-cricketer-went-downhill|website=Quint|date=11 May 2016|access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref> In September 2019, he was elected as the president of [[Hyderabad Cricket Association]].<ref name="HCA">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/former-india-captain-mohammad-azharuddin-hca-president-hyderabad-cricket-1604011-2019-09-27|title=Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin elected as HCA president|work=[[India Today]]|date=27 September 2019|access-date=28 September 2019}}</ref>
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==Early and personal life==
==Early and personal life==
Azharuddin was born on 8 February 1963 in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] to Mohammad Azizuddin and Yousuf Sultana. He attended [[All Saints High School, Hyderabad|All Saints High School]] and graduated from [[Nizam College]], [[Osmania University]] with a [[Bachelor of Commerce]] degree.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azhar.co/biography.html|title=Biography of Azhar|work=azhar.co.in|access-date=12 May 2016}}</ref>
Azharuddin was born on 8 February 1963 in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] to Mohammad Azizuddin and Yousuf Sultana. He attended [[All Saints High School, Hyderabad|All Saints High School]] and graduated from [[Nizam College]], [[Osmania University]] with a [[Bachelor of Commerce]] degree.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azhar.co/biography.html|title=Biography of Azhar|work=azhar.co.in|access-date=12 May 2016}}</ref>


Azharuddin married Naureen in 1987 and they had two sons, [[Mohammad Asaduddin]] and Mohammad Ayazuddin. In 1996, he divorced Naureen and married actress [[Sangeeta Bijlani]].<ref name="Express"/> After Azharuddin's rumored affairs with multiple people, notably badminton player [[Jwala Gutta]], Sangeeta filed for a divorce in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/Jwala-in-Bijli-out-of-Azharuddins-life/articleshow/6207416.cms|title=Jwala in, Bijli out of Azharuddin's life?|date=24 July 2010|access-date=15 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/India/Azharuddin_May_File_Divorce_From_Sangeeta_Within_A_Week_-3958.html|title=Azhar dating badminton player Jwala Gutta|work=India tv News|access-date=12 May 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Azharuddin married Shannon Marie.<ref>{{Cite news|title=From love at first sight to divorce: The tragic love story of ex-India captain Md Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/photo-gallery-from-love-at-first-sight-to-divorce-the-tragic-love-story-of-ex-india-captain-md-azharuddin-and-sangeeta-bijlani-2906301|access-date=6 June 2022|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mohammad Azharuddin birthday special: Know Indian cricketer Azhar, his love life and three wives! |url=https://www.india.com/photos/sports/mohammad-azharuddin-birthday-special-know-indian-cricketer-azhar-his-love-life-and-three-wives-92541/|access-date=6 June 2022|website=india.com|language=en}}</ref> His younger son Ayazuddin died in a bike accident in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 September 2011|title=Azharuddin's teenage son dies 5 days after bike crash|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/azharuddins-teenage-son-dies-5-days-after-bike-crash/articleshow/10013733.cms|access-date=6 June 2022|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/azharuddins-son-dead/article2458834.ece|title = Azharuddin's son dead|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date = 16 September 2011|access-date=6 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Speed thrilled, killed 200 kmph Ayaz|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/speed-thrilled-killed-200-kmph-ayaz|date=18 September 2011|access-date=6 June 2022|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116074301/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/speed-thrilled-killed-200-kmph-ayaz|url-status=dead}}</ref> His elder son Asaduddin is a domestic cricketer and he married Anam Mirza, the sister of [[Sania Mirza]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/celebrity/story/sania-mirza-s-sister-anam-announces-marriage-with-mohammad-asaduddin-in-stunning-instagram-post-1627615-2019-12-12|title=Sania Mirza's sister Anam marries Mohd Azharuddin's son Asaduddin in Hyderabad|newspaper=[[India Today]]|language=en|access-date=15 December 2019|agency=Ist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/121219/mohammad-azharuddins-son-asad-marries-sania-mirzas-sister-anam-see.html|title=Mohammad Azharuddin's son Asad marries Sania Mirza's sister Anam; see pics and videos|date=12 December 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>
Azharuddin married Naureen in 1987 and they had two sons, [[Mohammad Asaduddin]] and Mohammad Ayazuddin. In 1996, he divorced Naureen and married actress [[Sangeeta Bijlani]].<ref name="Express"/> After Azharuddin's rumored affairs with multiple people, notably badminton player [[Jwala Gutta]], Sangeeta filed for a divorce in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/Jwala-in-Bijli-out-of-Azharuddins-life/articleshow/6207416.cms|title=Jwala in, Bijli out of Azharuddin's life?|date=24 July 2010|access-date=15 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/India/Azharuddin_May_File_Divorce_From_Sangeeta_Within_A_Week_-3958.html|title=Azhar dating badminton player Jwala Gutta|work=India tv News|access-date=12 May 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Azharuddin married Shannon Marie.<ref>{{Cite news|title=From love at first sight to divorce: The tragic love story of ex-India captain Md Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/photo-gallery-from-love-at-first-sight-to-divorce-the-tragic-love-story-of-ex-india-captain-md-azharuddin-and-sangeeta-bijlani-2906301|access-date=6 June 2022|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mohammad Azharuddin birthday special: Know Indian cricketer Azhar, his love life and three wives! |url=https://www.india.com/photos/sports/mohammad-azharuddin-birthday-special-know-indian-cricketer-azhar-his-love-life-and-three-wives-92541/|access-date=6 June 2022|website=india.com|language=en}}</ref> His younger son Ayazuddin died in a bike accident in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 September 2011|title=Azharuddin's teenage son dies 5 days after bike crash|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/azharuddins-teenage-son-dies-5-days-after-bike-crash/articleshow/10013733.cms|access-date=6 June 2022|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/azharuddins-son-dead/article2458834.ece|title = Azharuddin's son dead|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date = 16 September 2011|access-date=6 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Speed thrilled, killed 200 kmph Ayaz|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/speed-thrilled-killed-200-kmph-ayaz|date=18 September 2011|access-date=6 June 2022|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116074301/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/speed-thrilled-killed-200-kmph-ayaz|url-status=dead}}</ref> His elder son Asaduddin is a domestic cricketer and he married Anam Mirza, the sister of [[Sania Mirza]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/celebrity/story/sania-mirza-s-sister-anam-announces-marriage-with-mohammad-asaduddin-in-stunning-instagram-post-1627615-2019-12-12|title=Sania Mirza's sister Anam marries Mohd Azharuddin's son Asaduddin in Hyderabad|newspaper=[[India Today]]|language=en|access-date=15 December 2019|agency=Ist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/121219/mohammad-azharuddins-son-asad-marries-sania-mirzas-sister-anam-see.html|title=Mohammad Azharuddin's son Asad marries Sania Mirza's sister Anam; see pics and videos|date=12 December 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>
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==Career==
==Career==
===Debut and early years===
===Debut and early years===
Azharuddin made his debut for the [[Indian national cricket team|Indian cricket team]] in [[Test cricket]] against [[England national cricket team|England]] at [[Eden Gardens]] in [[Kolkata]] on 31 December 1984 scoring 110 in his first [[innings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-1984-85-61797/india-vs-england-3rd-test-63393/full-scorecard|title=3rd Test, Eden Gardens, December 31, 1984 - January 05, 1985|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> He subsequently scored two more [[Century (cricket)|centuries]] in his next two Test matches in the series.<ref name="Cent">{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/26329.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;runsmin1=100;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|title=List of centuries, Azharuddin|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> He made his [[One day international|ODI]] debut against the visiting [[England national cricket team|England]] team at [[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium]] in [[Bangalore]] on 20 January 1985 and made an [[Not out|unbeaten]] 47.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-1984-85-61797/india-vs-england-3rd-odi-64251/full-scorecard|title=3rd ODI, Bengaluru, January 20, 1985, England tour of India|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>
Azharuddin made his debut for the [[Indian national cricket team|Indian cricket team]] in [[Test cricket]] against [[England national cricket team|England]] at [[Eden Gardens]] in [[Kolkata]] on 31 December 1984 scoring 110 in his first [[innings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-1984-85-61797/india-vs-england-3rd-test-63393/full-scorecard|title=3rd Test, Eden Gardens, December 31, 1984 - January 05, 1985|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> He subsequently scored two more [[Century (cricket)|centuries]] in his next two Test matches in the series.<ref name="Cent">{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/26329.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;runsmin1=100;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|title=List of centuries, Azharuddin|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> He made his [[One day international|ODI]] debut against the visiting [[England national cricket team|England]] team at [[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium]] in [[Bangalore]] on 20 January 1985 and made an [[Not out|unbeaten]] 47.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-1984-85-61797/india-vs-england-3rd-odi-64251/full-scorecard|title=3rd ODI, Bengaluru, January 20, 1985, England tour of India|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>


===Captaincy of national team===
===Captaincy of national team===
In 1989, Azharuddin was appointed as the captain of the Indian team succeeding [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref name="Cric1">{{Cite web|title=India Cricket Team Records & Stats: Test Captains|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/nzveng/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1&id=6&type=team|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals.<ref name="Cric1"/><ref name="Cric2">{{Cite web|title=India Cricket Team Records & Stats: ODI Captains|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/individual-list-captains/india-6/one-day-internationals-2|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He led the team to victory in 14 tests and 90 ODIs, both records until surpassed by [[Sourav Ganguly]] and [[M.S. Dhoni|MS Dhoni]] respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli has to behave like a captain, says Mohammad Azharuddin|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/virat-kohli-has-to-behave-like-a-captain-says-mohammad-azharuddin/1148650/|access-date=6 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=30 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="Express">{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/azhar-movie-trailer-mohammad-azharuddin-emraan-hashmi-2797198/|title=Azhar: Here's all the real-life drama from Mohammad Azharuddin's life|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=13 May 2016|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref>
In 1989, Azharuddin was appointed as the captain of the Indian team succeeding [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref name="Cric1">{{Cite web|title=India Cricket Team Records & Stats: Test Captains|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/nzveng/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1&id=6&type=team|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals.<ref name="Cric1"/><ref name="Cric2">{{Cite web|title=India Cricket Team Records & Stats: ODI Captains|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/individual-list-captains/india-6/one-day-internationals-2|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He led the team to victory in 14 tests and 90 ODIs, both records until surpassed by [[Sourav Ganguly]] and [[M.S. Dhoni|MS Dhoni]] respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli has to behave like a captain, says Mohammad Azharuddin|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/virat-kohli-has-to-behave-like-a-captain-says-mohammad-azharuddin/1148650/|access-date=6 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=30 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="Express">{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/azhar-movie-trailer-mohammad-azharuddin-emraan-hashmi-2797198/|title=Azhar: Here's all the real-life drama from Mohammad Azharuddin's life|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=13 May 2016|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref>


During India's tour of [[England]] in 1990, Azharuddin scored 121 in the first test at [[Lord's]] in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1st Test, Lord's, July 26 - 31, 1990, India tour of England|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1990-62275/england-vs-india-1st-test-63534/full-scorecard|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Though India lost the match, former England cricketer [[Vic Marks]] called it "the most dazzling Test century" he had ever witnessed, in his column for ''[[The Observer]]''.<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news|last1=Smyth |first1=Rob |title=The Joy of Six: England v India memories |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/22/joy-of-six-england-india-cricket |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012182454/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/22/joy-of-six-england-india-cricket |archive-date=12 October 2018 |language=en |date=22 July 2011}}</ref> In the second Test in [[Old Trafford Cricket Ground|Manchester]], Azharuddin scored his tenth century in tests with a 179 [[Run (cricket)|runs]] while putting on a 112-run stand with [[Sachin Tendulkar]] in the first innings. Playing his 39th Test, he reached his 10th Test century off 155 balls.<ref>{{Cite web|title=
During India's tour of [[England]] in 1990, Azharuddin scored 121 in the first test at [[Lord's]] in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1st Test, Lord's, July 26 - 31, 1990, India tour of England|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1990-62275/england-vs-india-1st-test-63534/full-scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Though India lost the match, former England cricketer [[Vic Marks]] called it "the most dazzling Test century" he had ever witnessed, in his column for ''[[The Observer]]''.<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news|last1=Smyth |first1=Rob |title=The Joy of Six: England v India memories |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/22/joy-of-six-england-india-cricket |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012182454/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/jul/22/joy-of-six-england-india-cricket |archive-date=12 October 2018 |language=en |date=22 July 2011}}</ref> In the second Test in [[Old Trafford Cricket Ground|Manchester]], Azharuddin scored his tenth century in tests with a 179 [[Run (cricket)|runs]] while putting on a 112-run stand with [[Sachin Tendulkar]] in the first innings. Playing his 39th Test, he reached his 10th Test century off 155 balls.<ref>{{Cite web|title=
2nd Test, Manchester, August 09 - 14, 1990, India tour of England|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1990-62275/england-vs-india-2nd-test-63535/full-scorecard|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin ended the series with 426 runs at an average of 85.20 which was the highest tally by an India captain in a test series in England until it was broken by [[Virat Kohli]] in [[Indian cricket team in England in 2018|2018]].<ref>{{cite news |title=King Kohli Slams 23rd Test Ton, Pips Dhoni & Records he Broke |url=https://www.india.com/sports/india-vs-england-3rd-test-day-3-trent-bridge-icc-no-1-test-batsman-virat-kohli-slams-23rd-test-century-pips-ms-dhoni-joins-sachin-tendulkar-and-other-records-he-broke-3246770/|access-date=1 May 2020|work=India Today|date=20 August 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bland |first1=Gareth |title=In praise of Azhar |url=http://www.cricketweb.net/in-praise-of-azhar/|website=cricketweb.net|date=17 February 2016|access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref>
2nd Test, Manchester, August 09 - 14, 1990, India tour of England|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1990-62275/england-vs-india-2nd-test-63535/full-scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin ended the series with 426 runs at an average of 85.20 which was the highest tally by an India captain in a test series in England until it was broken by [[Virat Kohli]] in [[Indian cricket team in England in 2018|2018]].<ref>{{cite news |title=King Kohli Slams 23rd Test Ton, Pips Dhoni & Records he Broke |url=https://www.india.com/sports/india-vs-england-3rd-test-day-3-trent-bridge-icc-no-1-test-batsman-virat-kohli-slams-23rd-test-century-pips-ms-dhoni-joins-sachin-tendulkar-and-other-records-he-broke-3246770/|access-date=1 May 2020|work=India Today|date=20 August 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bland |first1=Gareth |title=In praise of Azhar |url=http://www.cricketweb.net/in-praise-of-azhar/|website=cricketweb.net|date=17 February 2016|access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref>


===Asia cup victories and World cups===
===Asia cup victories and World cups===
Azharuddin led India to victory in the [[1990–91 Asia Cup]] beating [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in the final. He scored 54 runs in the final and was awarded the [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|Man of the match]] award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia cup final 1990-91, Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-1990-91-60913/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-65684/full-scorecard|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin led India at the [[1992 Cricket World Cup]] where India were knocked out in the group stage and finished seventh out of nine teams with two wins in eight matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/60924.html?view=pointstable|title=Points table, 1992 World cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India won the [[1995 Asia Cup]] beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the final where Azharuddin captained the side and won the man of the match scoring runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-asia-cup-1994-95-60971/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-65691/full-scorecard|title=Final, Sharjah, April 14, 1995, Pepsi Asia Cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin again led the team in the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]] co-hosted by India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/points-table-standings|title=Points table, 1996 World cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India finished in third place in the group stage, qualifying for the quarter finals where they beat [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] by 39 runs to make it to the semi finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/india-vs-pakistan-2nd-qf-65187/full-scorecard|title=2nd QF (D/N), Bengaluru, March 09, 1996, Wills World Cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India lost in the semifinals to Sri Lanka after the match was abandoned mid way due to crowd trouble when India were eight wickets down for 120 runs in response to Sri Lanka's score of 251/8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-semi-final-65190/full-scorecard|title=1st Semi-Final (D/N), Eden Gardens, March 13, 1996, Wills World Cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
Azharuddin led India to victory in the [[1990–91 Asia Cup]] beating [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in the final. He scored 54 runs in the final and was awarded the [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|Man of the match]] award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia cup final 1990-91, Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-1990-91-60913/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-65684/full-scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin led India at the [[1992 Cricket World Cup]] where India were knocked out in the group stage and finished seventh out of nine teams with two wins in eight matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/60924.html?view=pointstable|title=Points table, 1992 World cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India won the [[1995 Asia Cup]] beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the final where Azharuddin captained the side and won the man of the match scoring runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-asia-cup-1994-95-60971/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-65691/full-scorecard|title=Final, Sharjah, April 14, 1995, Pepsi Asia Cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin again led the team in the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]] co-hosted by India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/points-table-standings|title=Points table, 1996 World cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India finished in third place in the group stage, qualifying for the quarter finals where they beat [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] by 39 runs to make it to the semi finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/india-vs-pakistan-2nd-qf-65187/full-scorecard|title=2nd QF (D/N), Bengaluru, March 09, 1996, Wills World Cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> India lost in the semifinals to Sri Lanka after the match was abandoned mid way due to crowd trouble when India were eight wickets down for 120 runs in response to Sri Lanka's score of 251/8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-world-cup-1995-96-60981/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-semi-final-65190/full-scorecard|title=1st Semi-Final (D/N), Eden Gardens, March 13, 1996, Wills World Cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>


===Later years===
===Later years===
During the second test of [[South African cricket team in India in 1996–97|South Africa's India tour in 1996–97]] at Kolkata, Azharuddin scored a century off 74 deliveries equaling [[Kapil Dev]]'s record for the fastest test century by an India player and fourth overall, in terms of balls faced.<ref name="109record">{{cite news|last1=Menon|first1=Mohandas|title=Azhar's record breaking knock|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550632.html|access-date=18 October 2018|work=Indian Express|date=30 November 1996|archive-date=24 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970424082104/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550632.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="109Calcutta">{{cite news|last1=Jaishankar|first1=Vedam|title=Amazing Azhar onslaught revives India at Eden|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550332.html|access-date=18 October 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=30 November 1996|archive-date=24 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970424081844/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550332.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Azharuddin scored another century in the next test making an unbeaten 163 and helped India record their biggest win in Test history in terms of runs (280) at the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biggest margin|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850532.html|work=The Indian Express|access-date=19 October 2018|date=13 December 1996|archive-date=22 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422174133/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850532.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was named the [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|man of the match]] and the series after aggregating 388 runs at an average of 77.60<ref>{{cite news|last1=Magazine|first1=Pradeep|title=India wrap up victory quickly|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850522.html|access-date=19 October 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=13 December 1996|archive-date=22 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422172139/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850522.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cricket Records / Records / South Africa in India Test Series, 1996/97 / Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=376;type=series|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin scored seven centuries in ODIs with a best of 153 coming against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] on 9 April 1998 in [[Cuttack]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-triangular-series-1997-98-61024/india-vs-zimbabwe-5th-match-66141/full-scorecard|title=5th Match, Cuttack, April 09, 1998, Pepsi Triangular Series|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He scored the last of his 22 centuries in tests against South Africa in Bangalore in March 2000, which also turned out to be the last test match in his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-india-1999-00-61857/india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-63871/full-scorecard|title=2nd Test, Bengaluru, March 02 - 06, 2000, South Africa tour of India|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin played the final match of his international career in a ODI against Pakistan on 3 June 2000 in the [[2000 Asia Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2000-61067/india-vs-pakistan-5th-match-65703/full-scorecard|title=5th Match (D/N), Dhaka, June 03, 2000, Asia Cup|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
During the second test of [[South African cricket team in India in 1996–97|South Africa's India tour in 1996–97]] at Kolkata, Azharuddin scored a century off 74 deliveries equaling [[Kapil Dev]]'s record for the fastest test century by an India player and fourth overall, in terms of balls faced.<ref name="109record">{{cite news|last1=Menon|first1=Mohandas|title=Azhar's record breaking knock|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550632.html|access-date=18 October 2018|work=Indian Express|date=30 November 1996|archive-date=24 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970424082104/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550632.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="109Calcutta">{{cite news|last1=Jaishankar|first1=Vedam|title=Amazing Azhar onslaught revives India at Eden|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550332.html|access-date=18 October 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=30 November 1996|archive-date=24 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970424081844/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961130/33550332.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Azharuddin scored another century in the next test making an unbeaten 163 and helped India record their biggest win in Test history in terms of runs (280) at the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biggest margin|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850532.html|work=The Indian Express|access-date=19 October 2018|date=13 December 1996|archive-date=22 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422174133/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850532.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was named the [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|man of the match]] and the series after aggregating 388 runs at an average of 77.60<ref>{{cite news|last1=Magazine|first1=Pradeep|title=India wrap up victory quickly|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850522.html|access-date=19 October 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=13 December 1996|archive-date=22 April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422172139/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961213/34850522.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cricket Records / Records / South Africa in India Test Series, 1996/97 / Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=376;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin scored seven centuries in ODIs with a best of 153 coming against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] on 9 April 1998 in [[Cuttack]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-triangular-series-1997-98-61024/india-vs-zimbabwe-5th-match-66141/full-scorecard|title=5th Match, Cuttack, April 09, 1998, Pepsi Triangular Series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> He scored the last of his 22 centuries in tests against South Africa in Bangalore in March 2000, which also turned out to be the last test match in his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-india-1999-00-61857/india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-63871/full-scorecard|title=2nd Test, Bengaluru, March 02 - 06, 2000, South Africa tour of India|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Azharuddin played the final match of his international career in an ODI against Pakistan on 3 June 2000 in the [[2000 Asia Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2000-61067/india-vs-pakistan-5th-match-65703/full-scorecard|title=5th Match (D/N), Dhaka, June 03, 2000, Asia Cup|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>


===Match fixing allegations and ban===
===Match fixing allegations and ban===
Line 150: Line 150:


==Playing style==
==Playing style==
Azharuddin was a right handed [[Batting order (cricket)|middle order batter]] and an occasional [[Fast bowling|medium fast]] bowler. He was known for his graceful and fluid batting style.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohammad Azharuddin: The magician who made batting look stunningly surreal |url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/mohammad-azharuddin-the-magician-who-made-batting-look-stunningly-surreal-22855 |website=cricketcountry.com|access-date=10 August 2018|date=7 February 2016}}</ref> [[John Woodcock (cricket writer)|John Woodcock]], a cricket writer, said of him, "It's no use asking an Englishman to bat like Mohammad Azharuddin. It would be like expecting a greyhound to win [[Epsom Derby|The Derby]]."<ref>{{cite book|last=Astill|first=James|title=The Great Tamasha: Cricket, corruption and the turbulent rise of modern India |year=2013|page=132|publisher = Wisden Sports Writing|isbn=978-1408156926}}</ref> Former cricketer and umpire [[Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan]] stated that "Azharuddin had the best wrists in the game".<ref name="Express"/> [[Mike Atherton]] and [[Angus Fraser]] said Azharuddin's "genius was second only to [[Brian Lara]] among batsmen of their generation."<ref name="guardian1"/>
Azharuddin was a right handed [[Batting order (cricket)|middle order batter]] and an occasional [[Fast bowling|medium fast]] bowler. He was known for his graceful and fluid batting style.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohammad Azharuddin: The magician who made batting look stunningly surreal |url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/mohammad-azharuddin-the-magician-who-made-batting-look-stunningly-surreal-22855 |website=cricketcountry.com|access-date=10 August 2018|date=7 February 2016}}</ref> [[John Woodcock (cricket writer)|John Woodcock]], a cricket writer, said of him, "It's no use asking an Englishman to bat like Mohammad Azharuddin. It would be like expecting a greyhound to win [[Epsom Derby|The Derby]]."<ref>{{cite book|last=Astill|first=James|title=The Great Tamasha: Cricket, corruption and the turbulent rise of modern India |year=2013|page=132|publisher=Wisden Sports Writing|isbn=978-1408156926}}</ref> Former cricketer and umpire [[Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan]] stated that "Azharuddin had the best wrists in the game".<ref name="Express"/> [[Mike Atherton]] and [[Angus Fraser]] said Azharuddin's "genius was second only to [[Brian Lara]] among batsmen of their generation."<ref name="guardian1"/>


==Statistics==
==Statistics==
{{see|List of international cricket centuries by Mohammad Azharuddin}}
{{further|List of international cricket centuries by Mohammad Azharuddin}}
Predominantly a [[Middle-order|middle order]] batsman, Azharuddin played 99 test matches for India and scored 6,215 runs at an [[Batting average (cricket)|average]] of 45.03, including 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries.<ref name="Cric">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mohammad-azharuddin-26329|title=Mohammad Azharuddin, profile|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref> He scored 9,378 runs in [[One Day International|One Day Internationals (ODIs)]] from 334 matches at an average of 36.92 and 156 catches as a [[Fielding (cricket)|fielder]].<ref name="Cric"/> Azharuddin made his debut with a 110 [[English cricket team in India in 1984-85#3rd Test|against England]] in [[Eden Gardens|Kolkata]] in 1984 and scored 102 [[South African cricket team in India in 1999–2000#2nd Test|against South Africa]] in [[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium|Bangalore]] in his last match, becoming the first Indian and the fifth batsman ever to score a century in his first and last Test matches. <ref>{{cite web|url=
Predominantly a [[Middle-order|middle order]] batsman, Azharuddin played 99 test matches for India and scored 6,215 runs at an [[Batting average (cricket)|average]] of 45.03, including 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries.<ref name="Cric">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mohammad-azharuddin-26329|title=Mohammad Azharuddin, profile|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref> He scored 9,378 runs in [[One Day International|One Day Internationals (ODIs)]] from 334 matches at an average of 36.92 and 156 catches as a [[Fielding (cricket)|fielder]].<ref name="Cric"/> Azharuddin made his debut with a 110 [[English cricket team in India in 1984-85#3rd Test|against England]] in [[Eden Gardens|Kolkata]] in 1984 and scored 102 [[South African cricket team in India in 1999–2000#2nd Test|against South Africa]] in [[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium|Bangalore]] in his last match, becoming the first Indian and the fifth batsman ever to score a century in his first and last Test matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=
https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mohammad-azharuddin-26329|title=Hundreds on debut|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref>
https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mohammad-azharuddin-26329|title=Hundreds on debut|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
A [[Hindi cinema|bollywood]] film ''[[Azhar (film)|Azhar]]'', directed by Tony D'Souza, was based on his life. The film featured [[Emraan Hashmi]] as Azharuddin and was released on 13 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Azhar Plot Summary|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Azhar-Plot-Summary/articleshow/52250296.cms|access-date=10 August 2018|date=13 May 2016|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sorry Bollywood, The Truth About Azhar Lies in His Own Confessions|url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/sorry-bollywood-the-truth_b_10001876|date=14 July 2016|access-date=14 July 2016|language=en}}</ref> A [[Netflix]] film ''Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket.'' depicting the investigations and allegations of match fixing against former cricketers including Mohammad Azharuddin premiered on 17 March 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/caught-out-crime-corruption-cricket-documentary-review-the-cinematic-retelling-of-indian-crickets-match-fixing-saga-feels-incomplete/article66664204.ece|title=‘Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket.’ documentary review: The cinematic retelling of Indian cricket’s match-fixing saga feels incomplete|date=17 March 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>
A [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]] film ''[[Azhar (film)|Azhar]]'', directed by Tony D'Souza, was based on his life. The film featured [[Emraan Hashmi]] as Azharuddin and was released on 13 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Azhar Plot Summary|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Azhar-Plot-Summary/articleshow/52250296.cms|access-date=10 August 2018|date=13 May 2016|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sorry Bollywood, The Truth About Azhar Lies in His Own Confessions|url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/sorry-bollywood-the-truth_b_10001876|date=14 July 2016|access-date=14 July 2016|language=en}}</ref> A [[Netflix]] film ''Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket.'' depicting the investigations and allegations of match fixing against former cricketers including Mohammad Azharuddin premiered on 17 March 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/caught-out-crime-corruption-cricket-documentary-review-the-cinematic-retelling-of-indian-crickets-match-fixing-saga-feels-incomplete/article66664204.ece|title=‘Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket.’ documentary review: The cinematic retelling of Indian cricket’s match-fixing saga feels incomplete|date=17 March 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 14:19, 20 December 2023

Mohammad Azharuddin
Personal information
Full name
Mohammad Azharuddin
Born (1963-02-08) 8 February 1963 (age 61)
Hyderabad, Telangana , India
NicknameAzhar, Azzu[1]
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)[2]
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm medium
RoleBatsman
RelationsMohammad Asaduddin (son)
International information
National side
Test debut (cap 169)31 December 1984 v England
Last Test2 March 2000 v South Africa
ODI debut (cap 51)20 January 1985 v England
Last ODI3 June 2000 v Pakistan
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1981–2000Hyderabad
1983–2001South Zone
1991–1994Derbyshire
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA
Matches 99 334 229 433
Runs scored 6,215 9,378 15,855 12,941
Batting average 45.03 36.92 51.98 39.33
100s/50s 22/21 7/58 54/74 11/85
Top score 199 153* 226 161*
Balls bowled 13 552 1432 827
Wickets 0 12 17 15
Bowling average – 98.44 46.23 47.26
5 wickets in innings – 0 0 0
10 wickets in match – 0 0 0
Best bowling – 3/19 3/36 3/19
Catches/stumpings 105/– 156/– 220/– 200/–
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 13 February 2009
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
16 May 2009 (2009-05-16) – 16 May 2014 (2014-05-16)
Preceded byShafiqur Rahman Barq
Succeeded byKunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh
ConstituencyMoradabad
27th President of Hyderabad Cricket Association
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 September 2019
Preceded byG. Vivekanand
President of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 June 2014
Personal details
Political partyIndian National Congress
Spouses
  • Naureen
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1987; div. 1996)​
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 1996; div. 2010)​
  • Shannon Marie
    ​
    (m. 2017)​

Mohammad Azharuddin (born 8 February 1963) is an Indian politician and a former cricketer who also served as the Indian national cricket team's captain. He was a right-handed middle order batter and an occasional medium fast bowler. He played 99 Test matches and 334 One Day Internationals for India. As a captain, he led the team to wins in the 1990-91 and 1995 Asia Cups and reached the semi-finals of the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

His cricketing career came to an abrupt end in 2000 after he was banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for life due to his alleged involvement in a match fixing scandal. In 2012, the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted the life ban after appeal.[3] In September 2019, he was elected as the president of Hyderabad Cricket Association.[4]

In 2009, Azharuddin joined Indian National Congress and was elected as a member of parliament for Moradabad. He was appointed as the President of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee in 2018.[5]

Early and personal life

Azharuddin was born on 8 February 1963 in Hyderabad to Mohammad Azizuddin and Yousuf Sultana. He attended All Saints High School and graduated from Nizam College, Osmania University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.[6]

Azharuddin married Naureen in 1987 and they had two sons, Mohammad Asaduddin and Mohammad Ayazuddin. In 1996, he divorced Naureen and married actress Sangeeta Bijlani.[7] After Azharuddin's rumored affairs with multiple people, notably badminton player Jwala Gutta, Sangeeta filed for a divorce in 2010.[8][9] In 2017, Azharuddin married Shannon Marie.[10][11] His younger son Ayazuddin died in a bike accident in 2011.[12][13][14] His elder son Asaduddin is a domestic cricketer and he married Anam Mirza, the sister of Sania Mirza in 2019.[15][16]

Career

Debut and early years

Azharuddin made his debut for the Indian cricket team in Test cricket against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 31 December 1984 scoring 110 in his first innings.[17] He subsequently scored two more centuries in his next two Test matches in the series.[18] He made his ODI debut against the visiting England team at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on 20 January 1985 and made an unbeaten 47.[19]

Captaincy of national team

In 1989, Azharuddin was appointed as the captain of the Indian team succeeding Krishnamachari Srikkanth.[20] He led the Indian team in 47 Test matches and 174 One Day Internationals.[20][21] He led the team to victory in 14 tests and 90 ODIs, both records until surpassed by Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni respectively.[22][7]

During India's tour of England in 1990, Azharuddin scored 121 in the first test at Lord's in 1990.[23] Though India lost the match, former England cricketer Vic Marks called it "the most dazzling Test century" he had ever witnessed, in his column for The Observer.[24] In the second Test in Manchester, Azharuddin scored his tenth century in tests with a 179 runs while putting on a 112-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar in the first innings. Playing his 39th Test, he reached his 10th Test century off 155 balls.[25] Azharuddin ended the series with 426 runs at an average of 85.20 which was the highest tally by an India captain in a test series in England until it was broken by Virat Kohli in 2018.[26][27]

Asia cup victories and World cups

Azharuddin led India to victory in the 1990–91 Asia Cup beating Sri Lanka in the final. He scored 54 runs in the final and was awarded the Man of the match award.[28] Azharuddin led India at the 1992 Cricket World Cup where India were knocked out in the group stage and finished seventh out of nine teams with two wins in eight matches.[29] India won the 1995 Asia Cup beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the final where Azharuddin captained the side and won the man of the match scoring runs.[30] Azharuddin again led the team in the 1996 Cricket World Cup co-hosted by India.[31] India finished in third place in the group stage, qualifying for the quarter finals where they beat Pakistan by 39 runs to make it to the semi finals.[32] India lost in the semifinals to Sri Lanka after the match was abandoned mid way due to crowd trouble when India were eight wickets down for 120 runs in response to Sri Lanka's score of 251/8.[33]

Later years

During the second test of South Africa's India tour in 1996–97 at Kolkata, Azharuddin scored a century off 74 deliveries equaling Kapil Dev's record for the fastest test century by an India player and fourth overall, in terms of balls faced.[34][35] Azharuddin scored another century in the next test making an unbeaten 163 and helped India record their biggest win in Test history in terms of runs (280) at the time.[36] He was named the man of the match and the series after aggregating 388 runs at an average of 77.60[37][38] Azharuddin scored seven centuries in ODIs with a best of 153 coming against Zimbabwe on 9 April 1998 in Cuttack.[39] He scored the last of his 22 centuries in tests against South Africa in Bangalore in March 2000, which also turned out to be the last test match in his career.[40] Azharuddin played the final match of his international career in an ODI against Pakistan on 3 June 2000 in the 2000 Asia Cup.[41]

Match fixing allegations and ban

During India's tour of South Africa in 2000, a series that was won by India 3–2, Azharuddin scored only 112 runs at an average of 28.[42] Azharuddin was accused of match fixing in the match fixing scandal that erupted in the aftermath of the series.[43] Then captain of South Africa Hansie Cronje stated that Azharuddin was the one to introduce him to bookies.[44] International Cricket Council and BCCI banned Azharuddin for life based on a report by Central Bureau of Investigation.[45][46]

Post retirement

In 2003, a trial court upheld the lifetime ban but it was later overturned on 8 November 2012 by a divisional bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.[47][48] In 2019, Azhar was elected as the president of Hyderabad Cricket Association.[4]

Playing style

Azharuddin was a right handed middle order batter and an occasional medium fast bowler. He was known for his graceful and fluid batting style.[49] John Woodcock, a cricket writer, said of him, "It's no use asking an Englishman to bat like Mohammad Azharuddin. It would be like expecting a greyhound to win The Derby."[50] Former cricketer and umpire Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan stated that "Azharuddin had the best wrists in the game".[7] Mike Atherton and Angus Fraser said Azharuddin's "genius was second only to Brian Lara among batsmen of their generation."[24]

Statistics

Further information: List of international cricket centuries by Mohammad Azharuddin

Predominantly a middle order batsman, Azharuddin played 99 test matches for India and scored 6,215 runs at an average of 45.03, including 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries.[51] He scored 9,378 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 334 matches at an average of 36.92 and 156 catches as a fielder.[51] Azharuddin made his debut with a 110 against England in Kolkata in 1984 and scored 102 against South Africa in Bangalore in his last match, becoming the first Indian and the fifth batsman ever to score a century in his first and last Test matches.[52]

Team Runs Average 100s Highest Score
Australia 780 39.00 2 163*
England 1978 58.09 6 182
New Zealand 1152 61.23 2 192
Pakistan 1089 40.47 3 141
South Africa 915 41.00 4 163*
Sri Lanka 1215 55.23 5 199
West Indies 539 28.37 0 97
Zimbabwe 59 14.75 0 42
Total 6215 45.04 22 199

Political career

Azharuddin joined Indian National Congress party on 19 February 2009. He won the 2009 Indian general election from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh to become a member of parliament.[53] He contested the 2014 Indian general election from Tonk–Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan but lost to Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria of Bharatiya Janata Party.[54] In 2018, he was appointed as working president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.[55][56] He contested the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly election from Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency in Hyderabad but lost to Maganti Gopinath of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi.[57][58]

Awards

Azharuddin was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1986 and India's fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shri in 1988.[59] He was named one of five Wisden's cricketers of the year for 1991.[60]

A Bollywood film Azhar, directed by Tony D'Souza, was based on his life. The film featured Emraan Hashmi as Azharuddin and was released on 13 May 2016.[61][62] A Netflix film Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket. depicting the investigations and allegations of match fixing against former cricketers including Mohammad Azharuddin premiered on 17 March 2023.[63]

References

  1. ^ "Of comparisons and imitations". The Hindu. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
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  3. ^ "Andhra Pradesh High Court Clears Azhar". Quint. 11 May 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin elected as HCA president". India Today. 27 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
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  6. ^ "Biography of Azhar". azhar.co.in. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
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  14. ^ "Speed thrilled, killed 200 kmph Ayaz". 18 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Sania Mirza's sister Anam marries Mohd Azharuddin's son Asaduddin in Hyderabad". India Today. Ist. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
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  35. ^ Jaishankar, Vedam (30 November 1996). "Amazing Azhar onslaught revives India at Eden". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 24 April 1997. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
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  38. ^ "Cricket Records / Records / South Africa in India Test Series, 1996/97 / Most runs". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
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  44. ^ The CBI Report in Full – Part 25 (Report). 1 November 2000. Retrieved 21 December 2010 – via Rediff.com.
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Preceded by Indian National Test Cricket Captain
1989/90 – 1996 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Indian National Test Cricket Captain
1997/98 – 1998/99 		Succeeded by
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