The Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup was the richest and famous Indian cricket competition staged by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The tournament also had the first-class status in the 1930s but lost it with the emergence of other domestic competitions especially Ranji Trophy in the country.
Previously, the Moin-Ud-Dowlah Gold Cup Tournament was a three-day competition, but now it has been playing as a one-day 50-over competition since 1993-94 and has been held every year in August and September at various grounds in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
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But the tournament has now lost its sheen in India and even was not held last year. The Hyderabad Cricket Association XI is the current champions of the Moin Ud Dowlah Gold Cup.
However, former India captain and HCA President Mohammad Azharuddin is keen on reviving the prestigious tournament – one of the oldest tournaments of the country and restoring it to its former glory.
Azharuddin said on WV Raman’s show ‘Inside Out’ on Tuesday: “Most of the players in the Indian team were selected on the basis of performances in the Moin ud Dowla tournament. Great stars used to come to take part of this prestigious tournament, and we would have teams from outside to be part of it.”
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He further added, “Moin Ud Dowlah is one tournament I would want to revive because seeing top stars playing will inspire many in Hyderabad to take up the sport.”
The former captain, who was known for his exemplary fielding skills during his India career, recalled how he worked hard to remain sharp on the field.
Azhar signed off by saying, “If you don’t like fielding, then you can never be a good fielder. I will look at what the batsman is trying to do. Depending on how he is playing his shots, I will place myself. I always wanted the ball to come to me and loved being in the midst of the action.”
(With TNN Inputs)
