Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case related to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).
The investigation is under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for alleged misappropriation of funds during his time as HCA president.
Azharuddin did not appear for questioning and requested additional time. The ED’s investigation follows searches conducted last year at various locations linked to HCA officials, including Gaddam Vinod, Shivlal Yadav, and Arshad Ayub. During these searches, the ED recovered incriminating documents, digital devices, and unaccounted cash amounting to ₹10.39 lakh.
The ED’s inquiry was prompted by three FIRs filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) concerning alleged financial irregularities, specifically regarding misappropriation of approximately ₹20 crore.
The allegations include serious lapses in procurement processes for essential services at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium, such as DG sets and firefighting systems. It is claimed that office bearers colluded with private parties to award tenders at inflated rates, often bypassing standard tendering protocols .
