Azhar wants to coach Team India

Former cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed his desire to coach the India team in future if the BCCI approaches him with an offer.

“Whatever little cricket I have played, I have a learnt a lot and I would like to impart those skills to young players. It is up to the Board to use me in the best way. I would certainly like to be involved with Indian cricket,” Azhar said here.

“It is the Board’s prerogative to decide on that (coaching the Indian team), but I am available in any capacity for the benefit of Indian cricket,” added Azhar, who was the chief guest at an India-Pakistan students’ friendly match at Lord’s as part of the London School of Economics annual India Week.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court had lifted the life ban on Azharuddin, imposed by the BCCI for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, last November.

The 49-year-old Congress MP from Moradabad said it’s high time to inject fresh blood into the side to prepare the team for the future. “The team needs some new blood. It is important that young players are given the chance to play. The IPL has been good for the game in that sense as it has thrown up some very good players. Being able to play across all formats requires a lot of skill and there are some very talented players coming up. It is time to inject them into the team,” he said.

Azhar said he was relieved after the High Court overturned the life ban imposed on him. “I am just happy to be cleared. I now look forward to helping people as a cricketer and politician. I entered the field of politics to be able to do some good,” he said.