The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) seems to be embroiled in never-ending controversy.
After the former captain of the Indian cricket team Mohammed Azharuddin was
removed from the post of HCA president last month, ombudsman Justice (retired) Deepak Verma, who was appointed to look after the affairs of the body, today passed an interim order temporarily suspending five members of the body's apex council.
He announced that the council would be in suspension till the enquiry into the complaints lodged by Azharuddin was completed.
In his complaint, lodged after his suspension, the cricketing legend had informed the ombudsman that the members of the apex council were behaving in a "unilateral manner" and were committing irregularities.
Verma, after going through the complaint, took the call to suspend the council.
However, council members, irked by the move, have retorted by saying that the very appointment of the ombudsman was illegal, and have added that Azhar made the appointment unilaterally. They have alleged that the ombudsman is, therefore, likely to act according to the wishes of the former cricket captain.
An ugly struggle for power has marred Azhar's career as HCA head ever since it began - after taking charge of the sporting body in September 27, 2019, he has repeatedly found himself at the receiving end of criticism from other members who have complained that he often takes "unilateral" decisions without consulting them.