I am a relieved man: Azharuddin

New Delhi - After the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday overturned the life ban imposed on him, former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin said he is “a relieved man” after having battled against the ban for years.

“I am a relieved man. I fought this battle for so long with patience. It has been a tough battle and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me during this difficult period,” Azhar told reporters at a press conference at his residence here shortly after the high court order.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had Dec 5, 2000 banned the cricketer from playing professional cricket after he was found guilty of match-fixing charges.

The Hyderabadi had challenged the Indian cricket board’s decision in the city civil court, which upheld the ban. He then moved to high court against the lower court’s order, his lawyers arguing that BCCI imposed the ban without any evidence.

Azhar is presently a lok Sabha member from Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh.