Mohammad Azharuddin Biography: Life Story, Career, Records, Family & Achievements

Introduction

Mohammad Azharuddin, popularly known as Azhar, is one of India’s most stylish and elegant batsmen. Renowned for his wristy stroke play, particularly through the leg side, Azharuddin was among the finest middle-order batsmen of his generation. He captained India during the 1990s, leading the team in three World Cups and setting several batting records. His career, however, was later marred by a match-fixing controversy, which overshadowed his cricketing brilliance.

Personal Information

• Full Name: Mohammad Azharuddin
• Date of Birth: 8 February 1963
• Birthplace: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), India
• Nationality: Indian
• Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 70 kg
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Dark Brown

Early Life & Family Background

Azharuddin was born into a middle-class family in Hyderabad. He studied at All Saints High School and later at Nizam College, where his cricketing talent was nurtured. His graceful wrist work made him stand out from a young age, and he soon broke into the Hyderabad Ranji team.

Domestic Career

• Represented Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy.
• Scored consistently in domestic cricket, which earned him a place in the Indian team in 1984.

International Career

Debut Matches

• Test Debut: 31 December 1984 vs England – scored 110 runs, the first of three consecutive centuries in his first three Tests.
• ODI Debut: 20 January 1985 vs England.

Career Highlights

• Played 99 Tests, scoring 6,215 runs with 22 centuries.
• Played 334 ODIs, scoring 9,378 runs with 7 centuries.
• Known for his signature flick shots, wristy drives, and calm batting under pressure.
• Captained India in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs, one of the longest-serving Indian captains.
• Led India to victory in the 1990 Asia Cup and 1995 Asia Cup.
• Captained India in the 1992, 1996, and 1999 Cricket World Cups.

Records & Achievements

• First player in history to score centuries in his first three Tests.
• One of the few batsmen with over 9,000 ODI runs before the 2000s.
• Scored 22 Test centuries, then second-most for India after Sunil Gavaskar.
• Awarded the Arjuna Award (1986) and Padma Shri (1988).

Controversy

• In 2000, Azharuddin was implicated in a match-fixing scandal, leading to a life ban by the BCCI.
• In 2012, the Andhra Pradesh High Court overturned the ban, stating it was unsustainable.

Retirement & Post-Cricket Career

• Retired from cricket after the 2000 ban.
• Entered politics, joining the Indian National Congress.
• Served as a Member of Parliament from Moradabad (2009–2014).
• Remains a prominent cricketing figure and motivational speaker.

Personal Life

Azharuddin’s personal life attracted media attention. He first married Naureen, with whom he had two sons, one of whom (Ayazuddin) tragically passed away in a road accident. Later, he married Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, though they eventually separated.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Mohammad Azharuddin remains one of India’s most stylish batsmen and successful captains. His graceful batting style, unmatched wristwork, and leadership during the 1990s are still fondly remembered by cricket fans. His life story reflects both cricketing glory and personal challenges.

FAQs

Q1: What is Mohammad Azharuddin famous for?
He is famous for his wristy batting style, elegant stroke play, and being one of India’s longest-serving captains.

Q2: How many centuries did Azharuddin score?
He scored 22 Test centuries and 7 ODI centuries.

Q3: Why was Azharuddin banned from cricket?
He was banned in 2000 due to alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal, though the ban was lifted in 2012 by court.

Q4: Did Azharuddin play in World Cups?
Yes, he captained India in three World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999).

Q5: What awards has Azharuddin received?
He received the Arjuna Award (1986) and the Padma Shri (1988) for his cricketing achievements.