Thaindian News

Chennai, June 9 (IANS) Former cricket captain-turned-MP Mohammad Azharuddin is not welcome in the badminton fraternity, Badminton Association of India (BAI) vice president Ashok Bajaj said here Wednesday.
Azharuddin, who is Congress MP from Moradabad, surprised everyone when he threw his hat in the ring for BAI’s president post, the election to which will be held Sunday.

BAI state units have already opposed Azharuddin’s proposed move, saying he is serving a life ban imposed on him by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for alleged involvement in match fixing.

“Indian badminton certainly does not need Azharuddin nor any high profile personality to head the organization. Unfortunately, the BAI constitution permits any member to propose any person from any walk of life for the post of the president. However, even if Azhar’s name was to be proposed, I doubt if anyone will support him at all,” said Bajaj.

“Azhar would be better off concentrating on developing cricket which is his game. He was a very stylish and top class batsman, and he should stick to his sport.”

Bajaj said that at the moment, Indian badminton is in good shape.

“May be, badminton cannot be compared to cricket in terms of finances and funds, but we are pretty self-sufficient. Our players have made 14 international trips this year and in fact, we had to cut down since it was affecting the performances.”

“Next year, we will be hosting a Super Series offering twice the prize-money we are doing now. We have engaged foreign coaches also besides a bunch of academies around the country run by former players like Prakash Padukone, Gopichand and Uday Pawar. So, Indian badminton is in good shape.”

“As for Azharuddin, he is certainly not welcome to Indian badminton.”