Former Indian cricketer becomes first Muslim minister in Telangana Cabinet

Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana Cabinet on Friday, marking a new milestone in his political journey.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and several senior ministers.

Azharuddin, who took his oath in the name of Allah, concluded with the slogans “Jai Telangana” and “Jai Hind.” His son Asaduddin, recently appointed General Secretary of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), was also present at the ceremony.

Strategic Move Ahead of By-Election

The 62-year-old leader’s induction comes just days before the November 11 by-election in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, which has a significant Muslim electorate. Party insiders say he is likely to be given the Minority Welfare portfolio.

With his appointment, the strength of the Revanth Reddy Cabinet has increased to 16, and Azharuddin becomes the first Muslim minister in the Congress government formed in December 2023. The move is widely seen as part of the party’s outreach to Muslim voters, who constitute nearly 30% of the Jubilee Hills constituency.

From Cricket Star to Politician

Born: February 8, 1963, in Hyderabad

Cricket Career: Former India captain; played 99 Tests (6,215 runs, 22 centuries) and 334 ODIs (9,378 runs)

Political Career: Joined the Congress in 2009; elected MP from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) the same year

Current Roles: Working President of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC); nominated Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in 2025

Family: Son Asaduddin is a cricketer and Congress leader; daughter-in-law Anam Mirza is the sister of tennis star Sania Mirza

Azharuddin, who contested unsuccessfully from Jubilee Hills in 2023, was nominated to the Legislative Council in August under the Governor’s quota and had been assured a ministerial role by the party leadership.

Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticised his appointment, calling it an attempt to influence the upcoming by-election. Telangana BJP president Ramchander Rao described the move as “an act of appeasement” and a “violation of the Model Code of Conduct.” The party has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that the timing of Azharuddin’s induction was politically motivated.

Azharuddin dismissed the allegations, saying his appointment was unrelated to the election.

“I thank my party’s high command, the people, and my supporters,” he told reporters. “Whatever responsibility I’m given, I’ll serve honestly for the upliftment of the underprivileged. I don’t need a certificate of patriotism from anyone.”
 
A Journey of Reinvention

Azharuddin’s induction marks yet another reinvention in a life that has spanned cricket, politics, and administration. Once regarded as one of India’s most elegant batsmen, his cricket career ended abruptly in 2000 following a life ban over match-fixing allegations—a ban that was overturned by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012.

Now, as he steps into his new ministerial role, Azharuddin appears poised to script another chapter — this time in the political corridors of Telangana.