Mohammad Azharuddin to receive a sumptuous amount despite being served with life ban

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who received a life ban following his involvement in the match fixing scandal in 2000, will have his NOC and pending payments verified by the BCCI when the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and BCCI official meet in Delhi tomorrow. The life ban was issued on him in the aftermath of the match-fixing saga describing it as ‘illegal’ and ‘unsustainable’. Azharuddin has also reportedly informed the COA that the Andhra High Court in its judgment five years back had absolved him of all charges.

The 54-year-old wrote to BCCI mandarins including President CK Khanna, secretary Amitabh Choudhary and the CoA asking them to clear his dues which include the one-time benefit given to the former captains of the Indian team. Sources also revealed that Azhar had asked the board officials to consider his compensation package as he was exonerated by the High Court way back in 2012.

Azharuddin will receive a one-time exgratia payment

A senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by the PTI earlier today, “Yes, Azharuddin’s issue will be discussed at the COA meeting. Right now, there is no ban on Azharuddin and he has been attending BCCI function. He has last played for India in 2000. For 17 years, he has not received the pension and also his one-time exgratia payment has been withheld. The CoA will be taking a call in this regard.”

Although Azhar has not asked for any specific remuneration, it is indicated that the BCCI, if it considers paying him, will calculate his compensations like pension from the time the Court revoked his ban.

However, despite the ban, the BCCI had invited Azhar for a function to celebrate India’s 500th Test which was against New Zealand in Kanpur. Azhar, along with Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, MS Dhoni and Ravi Shastri, was honoured by the BCCI.