Former Indian cricket captain and Telangana minister Mohammed Azharuddin shared a relaxed glimpse of his London break on Wednesday, posting photos from outside the iconic Claridge’s hotel and a nearby bar.
In the Instagram post on his verified account @azharflicks, the 63-year-old wrote: “London summer. Enjoying a brief escape in this magnificent city, soaking in its architecture and sunshine.”
One image shows him standing on a Mayfair pavement in a dusty pink polo shirt, brown trousers and casual shoes, with the grand red-brick facade of a classic London building behind him and a cyclist rolling past. The second is a casual selfie at a marble counter inside what appears to be a hotel bar or restaurant, smiling alongside a friend.
The post, tagged at Claridge’s, quickly picked up more than 8,000 likes and close to 100 comments within hours.
Fans of the stylish wristy batsman of the 1980s and 90s left warm notes, calling him “Captain of India,” “Only Azhar Bhai” and “The captain.” Others simply wrote “Masha Allah.”
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Not all the reaction was complimentary. A section of comments revived the old match-fixing controversy that has followed Azharuddin for years, with jibes such as “Match fixer” and “Fixeruddhin chacha.” One user on X pointed out that London is home to many bookies, adding a sarcastic dig.
Azharuddin, who currently serves as Minister for Public Enterprises and Minority Welfare in the Telangana government, has not responded to the comments. The post simply presents a quiet holiday moment away from political and sporting noise.
For many who grew up watching him bat, the pictures are a reminder of the elegance that once defined his game — even if the conversation around him never stays completely quiet.
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