Mohammad Azharuddin: From Cricket Legend to Cabinet Minister
Hyderabad | November 1, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
Mohammad Azharuddin Sworn In as Telangana Minister; Says His Post Has Nothing to Do With Jubilee Hills Bypoll
Former Indian cricket team captain and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin (62) took oath as a Minister in the Telangana government on Friday. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, where Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
After the ceremony, the Governor and the Chief Minister congratulated Azharuddin with bouquets. The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Legislative Council Chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Damodar Raja Narasimha, and several others. Telangana PCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, MLAs, MLCs, and senior officials were also present. Azharuddin’s family, including his son, attended the event.
The program began at 12:25 PM and concluded within a few minutes, followed by a group photo session with the Governor, Chief Minister, and cabinet ministers.
From Cricket Legend to Cabinet Minister
Born on February 8, 1963, in Hyderabad, Azharuddin completed his schooling at All Saints High School (Abids) and graduated from Nizam College. He entered international cricket in 1984 and made headlines by scoring three consecutive centuries in his first three Test matches. In 1989, he became the captain of the Indian cricket team and went on to play 99 Test matches and 334 ODIs during his 16-year career.
After retiring from cricket, Azharuddin entered politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 2009 on a Congress ticket. In 2018, he was appointed Working President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) and contested the 2023 Assembly election from Jubilee Hills, though he was defeated. Recently, his name was recommended for an MLC position, and his induction into the cabinet was approved by the Governor.
“My Ministry Has Nothing to Do With the Jubilee Hills Bypoll”
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Azharuddin said it was one of the most memorable days of his life. “My mother and children are very happy today. I thank the Congress leadership at both the national and state levels, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, for trusting me with this responsibility,” he said.
Responding to questions from reporters, he added, “Union Minister Kishan Reddy can say what he wants — I don’t need anyone’s certificate for my patriotism or service to the nation. My appointment as minister has nothing to do with the Jubilee Hills by-election. People all over India love and support me, not just in one constituency. Whatever department I’m assigned, I will work for the welfare and development of the poor,” Azharuddin said.
