Mohammad Azharuddin who is a former India captain filed his nomination papers for Hyderabad Cricket Association president's post on Tuesday. Arshad Ayub was the president but had to quit office after the Supreme Court verdict on Lodha committee reforms.

Azharuddin is one of the longest serving Indian captains with the distinction and successive of World Cups for three years )1992, 1996, 1999). He was banned for life by the BCCI for involvement in the match-fixing scandal in 2000.

"Problem with Hyderabad was that cricket was not focus. We were second last in Ranji. My basic intention is to see that cricket in Hyderabad flourishes. I really want to do well for cricket. We cannot run the HCA on the whims and fancies of individuals," Azharuddin said after filing his nomination.

"I want to improve cricket at the district level because lot of hardworking players come from districts. We have produced so many great players but now we don't have players in the Indian team. My intention is to work hard for the game of cricket," he added.

Azharuddin was found not guilty by Andhra High Court in 2011 but BCCI never officially lifted his ban. He even never got pension that usually all India players are entitled to.

In fact, the BCCI wrote a letter to DDCA after Azharuddin was spotted sitting outside during the last Ranji season chatting to Vidarbha players which the match referee noticed.

"Yes, I was informed that Azhar came with his supporters to file nomination for HCA elections. He had an order from a lower court which allows him to contest election. Normally, HCA elections are held on last Sunday of May but Azhar has got an order which says it would be held on January 17," HCA Secretary John Manoj said.

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BY M. DIVYA SRI