Azhar firm on fighting for BAI top job

Undeterred by opposition from the ruling group, cricketer-turned-politician Mohammed Azharuddin said he will go ahead with his plans to contest for the president’s post in the Badminton Association of India’s June 13 election in Chennai.

Undeterred by opposition from the ruling group, cricketer-turned-politician Mohammed Azharuddin said he will go ahead with his plans to contest for the president’s post in the Badminton Association of India’s June 13 election in Chennai.

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Azharuddin’s decision to contest created a stir with BAI President VK Verma questioning his eligibility on the basis that the former cricketer was still serving a life ban on match-fixing charges.

“My decision to contest for the post of President of Badminton Association of India (BAI) was taken after fully considering the eligibility criteria for the post,” Azharuddin said. “Section 15 of the AP Societies Act 2001 is the only provision which prescribes the conditions for disqualification for the appointment as Member of Committee and none of them is applicable to me.

“No by-laws or decisions of BAI can override the statutory Provisions of the Act,” he added.

Azharuddin said Verma’s allegations were “motivated” and that he had approached government to ensure a free and fair election.