Knew I’d be proved innocent: Mohammad Azharuddin

After the Andhra Pradesh HC declared the BCCI’s life ban illegal, Azhar said he’d moved on and was focused on his constituency.

What was the first thing that came to your mind after hearing the verdict?
I felt relieved. And yes, I was delighted to hear what I knew from the very beginning. My conscience was clear and I knew sooner or later that I would be proved innocent.

Who do you blame for all the pain and ignominy you have gone all through these 12 years?
I really don’t want to blame anyone in this whole affair. I have no ill-feelings. Now, I want to work for my constituency, Moradabad, which I enjoy the most. What will one achieve by indulging in a blame game? I suffered pain and humiliation all these 12 years but I always knew I would be proved right one day.

Do you intend taking legal action against any party or individual?
I have fought this long, arduous legal battle for almost 11 years. Now, I have no intention of taking any kind of action against any authority or individual. People would know when they look back how I was victimised for no fault of mine. It is about destiny, and whatever had to happen has happened.

Do you still feel the pain of not being able to play hundred Tests? (he finished his Test career on 99 Tests)
Well, that (the pain) will always be there. But I have moved on in life and now my complete focus is on serving my constituency.

Any plans of returning to the cricket field?
As a player (laughs)? Well I have really not thought about that. I played cricket for 15 years with distinction. And now, I don’t think that I have the desire or the time to join the cricket administration. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is doing a good job. And I’m happy with my political career. Thanks.