Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is set to join the Telangana cabinet as a minister

Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin is set to join the Telangana cabinet as a minister, with the swearing-in ceremony expected on Today, October 31, 2025. Azharuddin, a Congress MLC, will be inducted under the Governor’s quota, marking his first cabinet role in state politics. The move aims to strengthen Congress’s appeal among minority voters in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, where a bypoll is due soon.

Azharuddin contested the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections from Jubilee Hills but lost. His elevation also reflects the Congress party’s strategy to blend sports, youth, and public connect in Telangana politics. This induction will increase the number of ministers in the Telangana cabinet to 16.

Azharuddin entered politics in 2009 and has held various roles since, including working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.