Kirti Azad is a former Indian cricketer who played as an all-rounder for the Indian national team. He had a successful domestic career, representing Delhi in various domestic tournaments. Azad was known for his solid batting skills and useful medium-pace bowling.
In his international career, Azad played 7 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals for India between 198 4 and 1990. He performed well in both formats, scoring a century in Test cricket and taking crucial wickets in ODIs. Azad was part of the Indian team that won the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket in 1985.
After retiring from cricket, Azad entered politics and became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has served as a Member of Parliament from Darbhanga, Bihar. Azad has been vocal about issues related to corruption in Indian cricket and has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the selection process for national teams.
Kirti Azad Biography
| Full Name | Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha Azad |
| Born | 2 January 1959 (age 65) Bhagalpur, Bihar, India |
|---|---|
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right-arm offbreak |
| Role | Right-arm off-break |
| Political party | All India Trinamool Congress (2021–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (2019–2021) Bharatiya Janata Party (1990–2019) |
| Spouse | Poonam Azad |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent | Bhagwat Jha Azad (father) |
Kirti Azad Career Stats
| Competition | Test | ODI | FC | LA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 7 | 25 | 142 | 72 |
| Runs scored | 135 | 269 | 6,634 | 1,521 |
| Batting average | 11.25 | 14.15 | 39.48 | 27.16 |
| 100s/50s | 0/0 | 0/0 | 20/27 | 0/8 |
| Top score | 24 | 39* | 215 | 94 |
| Balls bowled | 750 | 390 | 15,420 | 2,086 |
| Wickets | 3 | 7 | 234 | 50 |
| Bowling average | 124.33 | 39.00 | 30.72 | 27.48 |
| 5 wickets in innings | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 10 wickets in match | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Best bowling | 2/84 | 2/48 | 7/63 | 3/16 |
Kirti Azad’s Early Life and Background
Kirti Azad was born on January 2, 1959, in a cricketing family in Darbhanga, Bihar. His father, Bhagwat Jha Azad, was a renowned cricketer and politician who played a significant role in shaping Kirti’s early interest in the sport. Growing up, Kirti showed great promise as a cricketer and honed his skills on the local cricketing circuit. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in 1976 and soon caught the attention of selectors with his consistent performances.
Kirti Azad Domestic career
Kirti Azad had a successful domestic career representing Delhi in various domestic tournaments. He was known for his solid batting skills and useful medium-pace bowling. Azad played a crucial role in Delhi’s success in domestic cricket, contributing with both bat and ball. His performances in domestic matches earned him a spot in the Indian national team, where he continued to showcase his talent on the international stage.
Kirti Azad International career
In his international career, Azad played 7 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals for India between 1984 and 1990. He performed well in both formats, scoring a century in Test cricket and taking crucial wickets in ODIs. Azad was part of the Indian team that won the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket in 1985, where he played a key role in India’s success.
Kirti Azad Politics
After retiring from cricket, Kirti Azad entered politics and became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has served as a Member of Parliament from Darbhanga, Bihar. Azad has used his platform in politics to raise awareness about issues related to corruption in Indian cricket and has been a vocal critic of the lack of transparency in the selection process for national teams. He has called for reforms to ensure a fair and merit-based system for selecting players.
Kirti Azad’s Criticism of the IPL
Kirti Azad has been critical of the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing concerns about corruption, match-fixing, and the negative impact of commercialization on the sport. He has called for more accountability and transparency in the administration of the IPL to ensure that the integrity of cricket is maintained. Azad has raised questions about the influence of money in the league and its potential to compromise the spirit of the game.
Overall, Kirti Azad is a former cricketer who has made significant contributions to both sports and politics. His dedication to addressing issues of corruption and transparency in cricket administration highlights his commitment to upholding the values of fair play and integrity in the sport. Azad’s legacy as a cricketer and politician will continue to be remembered for his passion for the game and his efforts to bring about positive change in the cricketing world.
Recent Matches of Kirti Azad
Although Kirti Azad retired from international cricket in 1990, he continues to be actively involved in the sport through various cricketing events and matches. In recent years, Azad has participated in exhibition matches, charity games, and veteran’s tournaments to showcase his skills and love for the game.
These matches have provided Azad with the opportunity to connect with fans, support charitable causes, and stay connected to the cricketing community. His presence in these events serves as a reminder of his contributions to the sport and his continued passion for cricket.
While Kirti Azad may no longer be playing at the international level, his participation in recent matches demonstrates his enduring love for the game and his desire to stay engaged with the sport. As a former cricketer and politician, Azad’s legacy continues to inspire others to uphold the values of fair play and integrity in cricket. His commitment to addressing issues of corruption and transparency in the sport has left a lasting impact on Indian cricket and serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in sports.
Debut/Last Matches of Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad made his international debut for India in a Test match against England in December 1981. He had a successful start to his career, scoring a half-century in only his second Test match. Azad went on to represent India in 7 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs), showcasing his talent as an all-rounder with both bat and ball.
Azad’s last international match came in a Test match against South Africa in January 1990. Despite a shortened international career, Azad left a lasting impact on Indian cricket with his performances and contributions to the sport. His legacy as a cricketer and politician continues to be remembered for his dedication to upholding the values of fair play and integrity in cricket. Azad’s debut and last matches are a testament to his skills and passion for the game, as well as his commitment to making a positive impact on the sport.
Kirti Azad’s Playing style
Kirti Azad was known for his all-round playing style, excelling both with the bat and ball. As a batsman, he had a solid technique and was known for his ability to build partnerships and anchor the innings. Azad could play both aggressively when needed, as well as play a patient innings to stabilize the team’s position. He scored crucial runs for India in both Test matches
Kirti Azad Legacy
Kirti Azad’s legacy as a former cricketer and politician reflects his commitment to upholding the values of fair play and integrity in the sport. His successful domestic and international cricket career showcased his talent and dedication to the game, earning him recognition on both national and international platforms. Azad’s contributions to Delhi’s success in domestic tournaments, as well as his performances on the international stage, have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
In politics, Azad’s outspoken criticism of corruption in the cricket administration and his calls for transparency and accountability have brought much-needed attention to these issues. His efforts to reform the selection process for national teams and his advocacy for fair play have helped shape the conversation around ethics in sports.
Conclusion of Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad’s career as a cricketer and politician has left a lasting impact on Indian cricket. His dedication to the sport, his advocacy for fair play and transparency, and his efforts to address issues of corruption have shaped the conversation around ethics in sports. Despite a shortened international career, Azad’s performances on the field and his contributions off the field have solidified his legacy as a respected figure in Indian cricket.
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FAQs
Q: What was Kirti Azad’s role in Indian cricket?
A: Kirti Azad was an all-rounder who represented India in both Test matches and One Day Internationals. He was known for his solid batting technique, ability to build partnerships, and skills with both bat and ball.
Q: What is Kirti Azad’s legacy in Indian cricket?
A: Kirti Azad’s legacy in Indian cricket is defined by his dedication to fair play, transparency, and integrity in the sport. His efforts to address issues of corruption and his advocacy for ethical behaviour have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket, inspiring others to uphold these values. Despite a shortened international career, Azad’s performances on the field and his contributions off the field have solidified his legacy as a respected figure in Indian cricket.
Q: What is Kirti Azad doing now?
A: Kirti Azad is currently active in politics, serving as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and representing the Darbhanga constituency in Bihar. He continues to be involved in cricketing events, charity matches , and veteran’s tournaments to stay connected with the cricketing community. Azad’s love for the game and his commitment to making a positive impact on Indian cricket are still evident in his ongoing involvement in sports and public service.