Latest news with #Azharuddin
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Azharuddin's Son, Sania Mirza's Sister: How These Two Families Became One
Last Updated: Azharuddin's elder son, Mohammad Asaduddin, is married to Anam Mirza, the younger sister of tennis icon Sania Mirza - a high-profile union that brought together both the families The story of former cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is one of dazzling highs and devastating lows, both on and off the field. Once among the most elegant batsmen and successful captains, Azhar's life off the pitch has been no less dramatic. From cricket glory and match-fixing controversy to high-profile marriages and personal tragedies, Azharuddin's journey reads like a Bollywood script, and in one chapter, even stars one of its actresses. Azhar married twice. His first wife, Naureen, gave birth to two sons – Mohammad Asaduddin and the younger, Mohammad Ayazuddin. After separating from Naureen, Azhar tied the knot with Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, though that marriage, too, ended in divorce. A tragic twist came in 2011 when Azhar's younger son Ayazuddin died following a road accident in Hyderabad. The 19-year-old had been riding a sports bike that skidded near the city's Outer Ring Road. While Azhar's nephew, who was also on the bike, died on the spot; Ayaz was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries after five days in the hospital. Azharuddin's elder son, Mohammad Asaduddin, has led a different path, but still intertwined with fame, ambition, and public life. In December 2019, Asad married Anam Mirza, the younger sister of tennis icon Sania Mirza, making for a high-profile union that brought together two of Hyderabad's most prominent sporting families. This was Anam's second marriage. She had previously wed businessman Akbar Rashid in 2016, before parting ways in 2018. Post-divorce, Anam reinvented herself as a successful entrepreneur. She now runs fashion ventures like The Label Bazaar and Dua India, becoming a recognisable face in the fashion circuit. Asad, too, once pursued cricket, hoping to follow in his father's footsteps. A left-handed batsman, he represented domestic teams like Hyderabad Colts XI and Goa. But unlike his father, who played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs before a match-fixing scandal ended his international career, Asad's time on the pitch was short-lived; he played just two first-class matches in 11 days. Today, both father and son are attempting innings in politics. While Azharuddin served as a Congress MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh and later contested unsuccessfully from Jubilee Hills in the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, Asaduddin has recently entered the political fray. A trained lawyer, he was appointed General Secretary of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC). Azhar called the moment an emotional one, publicly celebrating his son's political rise. First Published: June 30, 2025, 14:06 IST
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First Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Ravi Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin reject criticism of Shubman Gill's Test captaincy: 'We cannot just complain'
Amid criticism of Shubman Gill's Test captaincy, his lacking aura and defensive field set-ups, former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Mohammad Azharuddin have asked fans and selectors to show patience. They believe Gill has what it takes to deliver in the long run. read more Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin and ex-coach Ravi Shastri have come out in support of Shubman Gill as the young Test captain is facing criticism from all corners after the defeat in Headingley against England. Despite India being in the ascendancy during the majority of the first Test, England managed to secure a five-wicket win in the end by chasing down a record 71-run target. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised Gill for being 'too defensive' with his field setting in the first match of the five-Test series, while former England captain Nasser Hussain said India's new Test captain lacks the aura that former captains like Virat Kohli carried on the field. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Azharuddin rejects criticism against Gill Amid the criticism, Azharuddin said that 'it is too early' to dissect Gill's captaincy and we must give the 25-year-old some more time. 'This is his just first match as a captain, you just can't talk about captaincy. It's too early to talk about captaincy,' Azharuddin told the news agency PTI. 'We should give him a fair chance and he has just taken over. So, you should give him a lot of time and support. We cannot just complain and criticise players like that.' Shastri wants BCCI selectors to trust Gill Former Team India head coach and all-rounder Shastri went a step forward and said that Gill needs to hold the Test captaincy position for at least three years. He added that the selectors must stick with him for a long period and he will 'deliver' for the team. 'He's matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses, he's matured a lot,' Shastri told Wisden. 'Let him be there for three years. Don't chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you.' The second India-England Test starts on 2 July at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
'They are too much dependent on Bumrah': Ex-India captain backs Kuldeep Yadav for Edgbaston Test
Former India captain has urged the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test against England at Edgbaston. He also highlighted India's overdependence on Jasprit Bumrah. read more The track in Birmingham is expected to be spin-friendly one and Kuldeep is likely to return. Image: Reuters Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said India should bring in left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Speaking after India's five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley, Azhar said Kuldeep's experience could help ease the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. Indian bowlers struggled to stop the England batters in the fourth innings in Leeds, even after India posted solid scores in both innings. Despite hundreds from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, collapses in the middle and lower order prevented India from setting bigger targets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Azharuddin wants Kuldeep Yadav in 2nd Test Azharuddin said the team must get the playing XI right going forward. He suggested the team management to include Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test. The pitch is expected to be dry in Birmingham, which could favour spinners like Kuldeep. Bumrah, on the other hand, will play just three matches in the series and his participation in the 2nd Test is uncertain. 'They are too much dependent on Bumrah. It's not easy because you need more experienced bowlers, and they should play Kuldeep Yadav. We lost because of batting collapse, but anyways now they have to pick the right players and bowling has to be perfect,' Azharuddin told PTI. Bumrah had to carry most of the bowling workload in the opening match. He inspired the team with his five-wicket haul in the first innings to help bowl England out for 465, taking a slight lead of 6 runs. However, when Bumrah failed to take wickets in the second innings, the rest of the bowling lineup looked ordinary. They managed just five wickets as England chased down the 371-run target with ease. Azhar defends Gill's captaincy The 62-year-old defended new Test captain Gill, saying he should be given enough time to prove his mettle. 'This is his just first match as a captain, you just can't talk about captaincy. It's too early to talk about captaincy,' he remarked. 'We should give him a fair chance and he has just taken over. So, you should give him a lot of time and support. We cannot just complain and criticise players like that,' said Azharuddin, who led India to 14 wins in 47 Tests as captain. (With agency inputs)
India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Give Shubman Gill a fair chance: Mohammed Azharuddin slams India captain critics
Mohammed Azharuddin jumped to the defence of India Test captain Shubman Gill amidst criticism after the loss in the Headingley Test to England. Gill, who took over as skipper of the side after Rohit Sharma's Test retirement, was unable to inspire the Indian team to secure a win, despite scoring a fine hundred in the first innings. The 25-year-old's aura as captain was questioned by Nasser Hussain and many questioned his tactics during the game. Despite this, some of the pundits, like Ravi Shastri, have defended Gill and the latest to do it is Azharuddin. The former India captain said that it was too early to talk about his captaincy and he should be given a fair chance as he has just started the job. advertisementAzharuddin said that Gill should be given time and support and quick criticism of players should be stopped. 'This is his just first match as a captain, you just can't talk about captaincy. It's too early to talk about captaincy,' said Azharuddin.'We should give him a fair chance and he has just taken over. So, you should give him a lot of time and support. We cannot just complain and criticise players like that.'Azharuddin commented on the upcoming Test in Edgbaston and said that India will need to be smart with their combinations and the bowling has to be perfect. 'We lost because of batting collapse, but anyways now they have to pick the right players and bowling has to be perfect,' said Azharuddin.'India too dependent on Bumrah'advertisementAzharuddin said that it seemed like India were too dependent on Jasprit Bumrah to produce magic during the first Test loss. Bumrah picked up five wickets in the first innings before England were able to nullify him in the second one and secure the win. Azharuddin further stated that India need more experienced bowlers and should consider playing Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test. 'They are too much dependent on Bumrah. It's not easy because you need more experienced bowlers, and they should play Kuldeep Yadav,' said Azharuddin. India and England will square off in the second Test on July 2. - EndsTune InMust Watch
India.com
24-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Virat Kohli to Shubman Gill to MS Dhoni: Indian captain who scored big in England
Let's take a look at who is the Indian captain who has played the biggest innings in England. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Mohammad Azharuddin is at the top of the list. Azharuddin played an innings of 179 runs in Manchester. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi played an innings of 148 runs in 348 balls in Leeds. Virat Kohli played an innings of 149 runs in 225 balls in Birmingham as captain against England in the Test. The 25-year-old young captain has played an innings of 147 runs in the first innings of the Leeds Test. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly played an innings of 128 runs against England in Leeds in the Test. Vijay Hazare played an innings of 89 runs in Leeds. Former captain Ajit Wadekar played an innings of 85 runs against England at Lord's ground. Former wicketkeeper captain MS Dhoni played an innings of 82 runs in 152 balls in Nottingham.
