Kirti Azad: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Lancepark
Last edited March 24, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
->JBW
Removing link(s) to "Dinker Sharma": Removing links to deleted page Dinker Sharma.
m fixed section additionally and fixed typos
 
Line 6: Line 6:
| image              =  
| image              =  
| country            = India
| country            = India
| birth_name          = Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha Azad
| birth_name          = Kirtivardhan Jha Azad
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1959|01|02|df=y}}
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1959|01|02|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Darbhanga]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| birth_place        = [[Bhagalpur]], [[Bihar]], India
| nickname            =  
| nickname            =  
| heightft            =  
| heightft            =  
| heightinch          =  
| heightinch          =  
| heightm            =  
| heightm            =  
| term_start          = 4 June 2024
| predecessor        = [[S. S. Ahluwalia]]
| constituency        = [[Bardhaman–Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency|Bardhaman–Durgapur]]
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| constituency        = [[Darbhanga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darbhanga]]
| constituency2      = [[Darbhanga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darbhanga]]
| term_start          = 16 May 2009
| term_start1        = 16 May 2009
| term_end            = 23 May 2019
| term_end1          = 23 May 2019
| predecessor        = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| predecessor1        = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| successor          = [[Gopal Jee Thakur]]
| successor1          = [[Gopal Jee Thakur]]
| constituency1      = [[Darbhanga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darbhanga]]
| constituency1      = [[Darbhanga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darbhanga]]
| term_start1         = 1999
| term_start2         = 1999
| term_end1           = 2004
| term_end2           = 2004
| predecessor1       = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| predecessor2       = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| successor1         = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| successor2         = [[Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi]]
| party              = [[All India Trinamool Congress]] {{small|{{nowrap|(2021-Present)}}}}
| office3            = [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the]] [[Delhi Legislative Assembly]]
| spouse              = Poonam Azad
| term_start3        = 1993
| term_end3          = 1998
| constituency3      = [[New Delhi Assembly constituency|Gole Market]]
| successor3          = [[Shiela Dixit]]
| party              = [[Trinamool Congress]] {{small|{{nowrap|(2021–present)}}}}
| spouse              = Poonam Azad {{small|{{nowrap|(d. 2024)}}}}
| father              = [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]]
| father              = [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]]
| children            = 2
| module              = {{Infobox cricketer | embed=yes
| module              = {{Infobox cricketer | embed=yes
|batting = Right-hand
|batting = Right-handed
|bowling = Right-arm offbreak
|bowling = Right-arm offbreak
|role = Bowler
|role = Bowler
Line 48: Line 57:
|lastodiagainst = Pakistan
|lastodiagainst = Pakistan
|club1 = [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]]
|club1 = [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]]
|year1 = 1976-1994
|year1 = 1976–1994
|clubnumber1 =
|columns = 4
|columns = 4
|column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
|column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
Line 60: Line 68:
|wickets1 = 3
|wickets1 = 3
|bowl avg1 = 124.33
|bowl avg1 = 124.33
|fivefor1 = -
|fivefor1 = 0
|tenfor1 = -
|tenfor1 = 0
|best bowling1 = 2/84
|best bowling1 = 2/84
|catches/stumpings1 = 3/-
|catches/stumpings1 = 3/–
|column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
|column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
|matches2 = 25
|matches2 = 25
|runs2 = 269
|runs2 = 269
|bat avg2 = 14.15
|bat avg2 = 14.15
|100s/50s2 = -/-
|100s/50s2 = 0/0
|top score2 = 39*
|top score2 = 39[[not out|*]]
|deliveries2 = 390
|deliveries2 = 390
|wickets2 = 7
|wickets2 = 7
|bowl avg2 = 39.00
|bowl avg2 = 39.00
|fivefor2 = -
|fivefor2 = 0
|tenfor2 = -
|tenfor2 = 0
|best bowling2 = 2/48
|best bowling2 = 2/48
|catches/stumpings2 = 7/-
|catches/stumpings2 = 7/–
|column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|matches3 = 142
|matches3 = 142
Line 83: Line 91:
|100s/50s3 = 20/27
|100s/50s3 = 20/27
|top score3 = 215
|top score3 = 215
|deliveries3 = 15420
|deliveries3 = 15,420
|wickets3 = 234
|wickets3 = 234
|bowl avg3 = 30.72
|bowl avg3 = 30.72
|fivefor3 = 5
|fivefor3 = 5
|tenfor3 = -
|tenfor3 = 0
|best bowling3 = 7/63
|best bowling3 = 7/63
|catches/stumpings3 = 95/-
|catches/stumpings3 = 95/–
|column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
|column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
|matches4 = 72
|matches4 = 72
|runs4 = 1521
|runs4 = 1,521
|bat avg4 = 27.16
|bat avg4 = 27.16
|100s/50s4 = 0/8
|100s/50s4 = 0/8
|top score4 = 94
|top score4 = 94
|deliveries4 = 2086
|deliveries4 = 2,086
|wickets4 = 50
|wickets4 = 50
|bowl avg4 = 27.48
|bowl avg4 = 27.48
|fivefor4 = -
|fivefor4 = 0
|tenfor4 = -
|tenfor4 = 0
|best bowling4 = 3/16
|best bowling4 = 3/16
|catches/stumpings4 = 22/-
|catches/stumpings4 = 22/–
|date = 19 August 2014
|date = 19 August 2014
|source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26325.html ESPNCricinfo}}
|source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26325.html ESPNcricinfo
| otherparty          = *[[Indian National Congress]] <br />{{small|{{nowrap|(18 February 2019 – 2021)}}}}
|medaltemplates=<!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS-->
*[[Bharatiya Janata Party]] <br />{{small|{{nowrap|(till 18 February 2019)}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Cricket]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{IND}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Cricket World Cup|ICC Cricket World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[1983 Cricket World Cup|1983 England and Wales]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asia Cup|ACC Asia Cup]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[1984 Asia Cup|1984 United Arab Emirates]]|}}
}}
| otherparty          = [[Indian National Congress]] <br />{{small|{{nowrap|(2019–2021)}}}} <br/>
[[Bharatiya Janata Party]] <br />{{small|{{nowrap|(1990–2019)}}}}
}}
}}


'''Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha Azad''' ({{audio|Kirti_Azad.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 2 January 1959){{cn|date=November 2020}} is a politician and former [[cricket]]er and who played 7 [[Test cricket|Tests]] and 25 [[One Day International|ODIs]] for [[India cricket team|India]] between 1980 and 1986.
'''Kirtivardhan Jha Azad''' ({{audio|Kirti_Azad.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 2 January 1959) is an Indian politician and former [[cricket]]er. Azad was a member of the Indian team that won the [[1983 Cricket World Cup]].


Azad was born in [[brahmin]] family of [[Darbhanga]], [[Bihar]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kirti Azad Supports Suresh Raina Amid Backlash Over ‘Brahmin’ Comment|url=http://news18.com/cricketnext/news/kirti-azad-supports-suresh-raina-amid-backlash-over-brahmin-comment-3992900.html|access-date=2021-12-15|website=news18.com|language=en}}</ref> the son of former [[Chief Minister of Bihar]] [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]]. He was an aggressive right-hand batsman and a quickish offspinner. A surprise choice for the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1980–81, he made his Test debut at Wellington. He was part of the Indian team that won the [[1983 Cricket World Cup]].<ref name="Auto15-2">{{cite web | url = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26325.html | title = Kirti Azad | publisher = Cricinfo | access-date = 6 March 2011}}</ref>
Azad is the son of former [[Chief Minister of Bihar]] [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]]. He was a right-hand batsman and an offspinner. A surprise choice for the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1980–81, he made his Test debut at Wellington. He was part of the Indian team that won the [[1983 Cricket World Cup]].<ref name="Auto15-2">{{cite web | url = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26325.html | title = Kirti Azad | publisher=ESPNcricinfo | access-date = 6 March 2011}}</ref>


He won the 2014 [[Lok Sabha]] election for Darbhanga, Bihar. In February 2019, Kirti Azad joined Indian National Congress.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rebel BJP MP Kirti Azad joins Congress |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cricketer-turned-politician-kirti-azad-joins-congress/article26301848.ece |work=The Hindu |date=18 February 2019 |ref=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cricketer-turned-politician-kirti-azad-joins-/article26301848.ece |language=en-IN}}</ref> He joined [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) after meeting TMC chief [[Mamta Banerjee]] in Delhi on Nov 23, 2021. <ref>{{cite news |title=Congress leader Kirti Azad joins TMC |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/congress-leader-kirti-azad-joins-tmc/articleshow/87872157.cms |work=Economic Times |date=23 November 2021}}</ref>
Azad won the [[2014 Lok Sabha election]] for Darbhanga, Bihar. In February 2019, Kirti Azad joined [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rebel BJP MP Kirti Azad joins Congress |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cricketer-turned-politician-kirti-azad-joins-congress/article26301848.ece |work=The Hindu |date=18 February 2019|language=en-IN}}</ref> He joined [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) after meeting TMC chief [[Mamata Banerjee]] in Delhi on 23 November 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Congress leader Kirti Azad joins TMC |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/congress-leader-kirti-azad-joins-tmc/articleshow/87872157.cms |work=Economic Times |date=23 November 2021}}</ref>


==Domestic career==
==Domestic career==


He attended [[Modern School (New Delhi)|Modern School]] in [[Delhi]] where he was part of the school cricket team. Azad, a nonconformist in many ways{{explain|date=September 2019}}, was a stalwart allrounder for [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]] for many years, and in 95 [[Ranji Trophy]] matches he scored 4867 runs at an average of 47.72 and took 162 wickets at and average of 28.91. His highest score was 215 against [[Himachal Pradesh cricket team|Himachal Pradesh]] in 1985–86.
Azad attended [[Modern School (New Delhi)|Modern School]] in [[Delhi]] where he was part of the school cricket team. Azad, was an allrounder for [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]] for many years, and in 95 [[Ranji Trophy]] matches he scored 4867 runs at an average of 47.72 and took 162 wickets at and average of 28.91. His highest score was 215 against [[Himachal Pradesh cricket team|Himachal Pradesh]] in 1985–86.


==International career==
==International career==
He was a surprise choice for the tour of [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] in 1980–81, making his Test debut at [[Wellington]]. He then played three Tests without much success against England in 1981-82 and was later picked for the [[1983 Cricket World Cup|1983 World Cup]].<REF name="Auto15-2"/>
Azad was a surprise choice for the tour of [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] in 1980–81, making his Test debut at [[Wellington]]. He then played three Tests without much success against England in 1981-82 and was later picked for the [[1983 Cricket World Cup|1983 World Cup]].<ref name="Auto15-2"/>


In his international career Azad played 7 test matches (1981-83) and 25 one-day-internationals (1980-86). Though full of potential, he couldn't take his domestic performance to the international level, scoring only 135 test runs and 269 in one-days. He picked 3 and 7 wickets in the two forms, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kirti Azad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/26325.html |website=ESPN Cricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd. |access-date=2 August 2020}}</ref>
In his international career, Azad played 7 test matches (1981–83) and 25 one-day-internationals (1980–86). Though full of potential, he couldn't take his domestic performance to the international level, scoring only 135 test runs and 269 in one-days. He picked 3 and 7 wickets in the two forms, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kirti Azad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/26325.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd. |access-date=2 August 2020}}</ref>


==Politics==
==Politics==
He followed his father [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]], former Chief Minister of [[Bihar]],<ref>https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25</ref> into politics and was elected to Parliament on a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) ticket from [[Darbhanga]], Bihar. He served his second term in the Lok Sabha representing Darbhanga. He was previously an MLA from Delhi's [[Gole Market]] constituency.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/23/stories/2003112304280400.htm | title = A veteran-newcomer fight at Gole Market | work = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 6 March 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050904014658/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/23/stories/2003112304280400.htm | archive-date = 4 September 2005 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> He won the 2014 [[Lok Sabha]] Elections from Darbhanga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/election-live-2014-march-13/|title = Election LIVE: BJP's third candidate list out, Ram Kripal to contest from Patliputra against Lalu's daughter|date = 14 March 2014}}</ref> On 23 December 2015 he was suspended from BJP for openly targeting Union finance minister [[Arun Jaitley]] over alleged irregularities and corruption in Delhi's cricket body Delhi and District Cricket Association.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kirti Azad Suspended By BJP For Publicly Targeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-may-take-action-against-kirti-azad-for-targeting-arun-jaitley-sources-1258122|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref> Azad joined the [[Indian National Congress]] on 18 February 2019.<ref>{{cite web | title =Cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad joins Congress | url =https://m.timesofindia.com/india/cricketer-turned-politician-kirti-azad-joins-congress/articleshow/68044490.cms| work = [[The Times of India]]| access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref>
Azad followed his father [[Bhagwat Jha Azad]], former Chief Minister of [[Bihar]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25 |title=Shri Kirti (Jha) Azad - Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) - Who's Who - Government: National Portal of India |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-date=5 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905160139/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> into politics and was elected to Parliament on a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) ticket from [[Darbhanga]], Bihar. He served his second term in the Lok Sabha representing Darbhanga. He was previously an MLA from Delhi's [[Gole Market]] constituency.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/23/stories/2003112304280400.htm | title = A veteran-newcomer fight at Gole Market | work = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 6 March 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050904014658/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/23/stories/2003112304280400.htm | archive-date = 4 September 2005 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> He won the 2014 [[Lok Sabha]] Elections from Darbhanga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/election-live-2014-march-13/|title = Election LIVE: BJP's third candidate list out, Ram Kripal to contest from Patliputra against Lalu's daughter|date = 14 March 2014}}</ref> On 23 December 2015 he was suspended from BJP for openly targeting Union finance minister [[Arun Jaitley]] over alleged irregularities and corruption in Delhi's cricket body Delhi and District Cricket Association.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kirti Azad Suspended By BJP For Publicly Targeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-may-take-action-against-kirti-azad-for-targeting-arun-jaitley-sources-1258122|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref> Azad joined the [[Indian National Congress]] on 18 February 2019.<ref>{{cite news | title =Cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad joins Congress | url =https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cricketer-turned-politician-kirti-azad-joins-congress/articleshow/68044490.cms| work = [[The Times of India]]| date =18 February 2019| access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref>
He fought General Election from Dhanbad Lok Sabha constituency for 2019 representing Indian National Congress, against BJP candidate Pashupati Nath Singh and lost it with a margin of 4.8 lakhs.
He fought general election from Dhanbad Lok Sabha constituency for 2019 representing Indian National Congress, against BJP candidate Pashupati Nath Singh and lost it with a margin of 4.8 lakhs. In November 2021, Azad joined the [[Trinamool Congress]] ahead of the [[2022 Goa Legislative Assembly election]] and said that he will work under [[Mamata Banerjee]] till retirement from politics.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kirti-azad-trinamool-congress-7636867/ | title=Congress leader Kirti Azad joins TMC; says will work under Mamata Banerjee till retirement from politics | date=23 November 2021 }}</ref> Since 5 March 2022, he has also been the State In-charge of the [[Trinamool Congress]] in [[Goa]], succeeding [[Mahua Moitra]]. Azad won the 2024 Lok Sabha Election from the Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency in West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kirti Azad won Lok Sabha Election 2024 from Burdwan-Durgapur seat. |url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/election/lok-sabha-elections/kirti-azad-burdwan-durgapur-seat-result-2024-snk |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=Prabhat Khabar}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Azad is married to Poonam and has two sons.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25 | title = Detailed Profile: Shri Kirti (Jha) Azad | publisher = National Portal of India | access-date = 7 January 2020}}</ref> His elder son Suryavardhan has played for Delhi Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-22s, while his younger son Somyavardhan has played for Delhi Under-15s and Delhi Under-17s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Players/182/182860/182860.html | title = Surya Azad | publisher = CricketArchive | access-date = 6 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/254/254666/254666.html | title = Somyavardhan Azad | publisher = CricketArchive | access-date = 3 September 2012}}</ref>
Azad was married to Poonam, who was a politician and a member of [[Aam Aadmi Party]], and later [[Indian National Congress]]. Poonam died on 2 September 2024. They had two sons, Suryavardan and Somyavardhan.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25 | title = Detailed Profile: Shri Kirti (Jha) Azad | publisher=National Portal of India | access-date = 7 January 2020 | archive-date = 5 September 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160905160139/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampdetail.php?mpcode=25 | url-status = dead }}</ref> His elder son Suryavardhan has played for the Delhi Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-22s, while his younger son Somyavardhan has played the for Delhi Under-15s and Under-17s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Players/182/182860/182860.html | title = Surya Azad | publisher=CricketArchive | access-date = 6 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/254/254666/254666.html | title = Somyavardhan Azad | publisher=CricketArchive | access-date = 3 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/1983-world-cup-winner-and-tmc-mp-kirti-azads-wife-passes-away-3173389 | title=1983 World Cup winner and TMC MP Kirti Azad's wife passes away }}</ref>


His wife Poonam joined [[Aam Aadmi Party]] on 13 Nov 2016, which she then quit on 11 Apr 2017 to join the Indian National Congress.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kirti-azads-wife-poonam-azad-jha-quits-aap-joins-congress/articleshow/58127799.cms | title = Kirti Azad's wife Poonam Azad Jha quits AAP, joins Congress | work = The Economic Times| access-date = 11 April 2017}}</ref>
Former IPS officer and ex-Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad is his elder brother.


==Views on IPL==
==Views on IPL==
Line 138: Line 154:
Following a 2012 [[sting operation]] on players of the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL), Azad came out in opposition of the tournament and demanded that it be banned.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Kirti Azad begins hunger fast against IPL|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kirti-azad-begins-hunger-fast-against-ipl/259702-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523043722/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kirti-azad-begins-hunger-fast-against-ipl/259702-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2012|newspaper=IBNLive|date=20 May 2012}}</ref>
Following a 2012 [[sting operation]] on players of the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL), Azad came out in opposition of the tournament and demanded that it be banned.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Kirti Azad begins hunger fast against IPL|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kirti-azad-begins-hunger-fast-against-ipl/259702-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523043722/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kirti-azad-begins-hunger-fast-against-ipl/259702-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2012|newspaper=IBNLive|date=20 May 2012}}</ref>
Speaking about the Indian T20 team, he reportedly alleged that the players played for self rather than the country. He further said that he felt agitated and ashamed to be associated with the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] in the wake of the IPL controversy.
Speaking about the Indian T20 team, he reportedly alleged that the players played for self rather than the country. He further said that he felt agitated and ashamed to be associated with the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] in the wake of the IPL controversy.
== Controversy ==
In December 2025, during the winter session of the Lok Sabha, BJP MP [[Anurag Thakur]] alleged—without naming anyone—that a [[Trinamool Congress]] MP had used an [[e-cigarette]] inside the Parliament House. The allegation triggered sharp political controversy, which intensified after a video surfaced showing TMC MP Kirti Azad holding and inhaling an object. Notably, smoking is strictly prohibited inside Parliament, and e-cigarettes have been completely banned in India since 2019, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kirti Azad: পার্লামেন্ট কক্ষে ই-সিগারেটে টান TMC-র 'কীর্তি', BJP-র VIDEO পোস্টে দাবি |url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/west-bengal/story/kirti-azad-tmc-e-cigarettes-in-parliament-bjp-claims-in-video-post-rjk-1318646-2025-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=AajTak Bangla |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Mamata must clarify': BJP claims TMC MP Kirti Azad vaped inside Lok Sabha; shares video |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mamata-must-clarify-bjp-claims-tmp-mp-kirti-azad-vaped-inside-lok-sabha-shares-clip/amp_articleshow/126035715.cms |access-date=2025-12-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyagi |first=Vanshika |title=BIG trouble for TMC! MP Kirti Azad caught 'vaping' in Lok Sabha, BJP releases video, says, 'Imagine audacity…', WATCH |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-big-trouble-for-tmc-mp-kirti-azad-caught-vaping-in-lok-sabha-bjp-releases-video-says-imagine-audacity-3193986 |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The 2021 Indian film ''[[83 (film)|83]]'', which is based on India's World Cup win, will feature Dinker Sharma portraying Azad's character.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83' character poster|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ranveer-singh-introduces-dinker-sharma-as-kirti-azad-in-83-character-poster-120011600701_1.html|access-date=2021-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83'|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-singh-introduces-dinker-sharma-as-kirti-azad-in-83|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Free Press Journal|language=en}}</ref>
Azad played himself in the lead role of the 2019 Indian film ''[[Kirket]]''. The 2021 Indian film ''[[83 (film)|83]]'', which is based on India's World Cup win, featured Dinker Sharma portraying Azad's character.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 January 2020|title=Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83' character poster|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ranveer-singh-introduces-dinker-sharma-as-kirti-azad-in-83-character-poster-120011600701_1.html|access-date=2021-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83'|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-singh-introduces-dinker-sharma-as-kirti-azad-in-83|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Free Press Journal|date=16 January 2020}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 158: Line 177:
[[Category:Cricketers at the 1983 Cricket World Cup]]
[[Category:Cricketers at the 1983 Cricket World Cup]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:16th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 2014–2019]]
[[Category:15th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 2009–2014]]
[[Category:13th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 1999–2004]]
[[Category:Indian sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:India national cricket team selectors]]
[[Category:India national cricket team selectors]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Bihar]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Bihar]]
[[Category:University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Delhi University alumni]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Bihar]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Bihar]]
[[Category:People from Darbhanga]]
[[Category:People from Darbhanga]]
[[Category:Indian cricket commentators]]
[[Category:Indian cricket commentators]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Bihar]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Bihar]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Bihar]]
[[Category:D. B. Close's XI cricketers]]
[[Category:D. B. Close's XI cricketers]]
[[Category:All India Trinamool Congress politicians]]
[[Category:Trinamool Congress politicians from Bihar]]
[[Category:People from Delhi]]
[[Category:India MPs 2024–2029]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from West Bengal]]
[[Category:Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance candidates in 2024 Indian general election]]
[[Category:Delhi MLAs 1993–1998]]

Latest revision as of 00:17, 24 March 2026


Kirti Azad
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
4 June 2024
Preceded byS. S. Ahluwalia
ConstituencyBardhaman–Durgapur
In office
16 May 2009 – 23 May 2019
Preceded byMohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi
Succeeded byGopal Jee Thakur
ConstituencyDarbhanga
In office
1999–2004
Preceded byMohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi
Succeeded byMohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi
ConstituencyDarbhanga
Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly
In office
1993–1998
Succeeded byShiela Dixit
ConstituencyGole Market
Personal details
Born
Kirtivardhan Jha Azad

(1959-01-02) 2 January 1959 (age 67)
Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
Political partyTrinamool Congress (2021–present)
Other political
affiliations		Indian National Congress
(2019–2021)
Bharatiya Janata Party
(1990–2019)
Spouse(s)Poonam Azad (d. 2024)
Children2
Parent(s)
Cricket information
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm offbreak
RoleBowler
International information
National side
Test debut (cap 150)21 February 1981 v New Zealand
Last Test12 November 1983 v West Indies
ODI debut (cap 29)6 December 1980 v Australia
Last ODI18 April 1986 v Pakistan
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1976–1994Delhi
Career statistics
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
Catches/stumpings 3/– 7/– 95/– 22/–
Medal record
Men's Cricket
Representing  India
ICC Cricket World Cup
Winner 1983 England and Wales
ACC Asia Cup
Winner 1984 United Arab Emirates
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 19 August 2014

Kirtivardhan Jha Azad (About this soundpronunciation (help·info); born 2 January 1959) is an Indian politician and former cricketer. Azad was a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

Azad is the son of former Chief Minister of Bihar Bhagwat Jha Azad. He was a right-hand batsman and an offspinner. A surprise choice for the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1980–81, he made his Test debut at Wellington. He was part of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup.[1]

Azad won the 2014 Lok Sabha election for Darbhanga, Bihar. In February 2019, Kirti Azad joined Indian National Congress.[2] He joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) after meeting TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Delhi on 23 November 2021.[3]

Domestic career[edit | edit source]

Azad attended Modern School in Delhi where he was part of the school cricket team. Azad, was an allrounder for Delhi for many years, and in 95 Ranji Trophy matches he scored 4867 runs at an average of 47.72 and took 162 wickets at and average of 28.91. His highest score was 215 against Himachal Pradesh in 1985–86.

International career[edit | edit source]

Azad was a surprise choice for the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1980–81, making his Test debut at Wellington. He then played three Tests without much success against England in 1981-82 and was later picked for the 1983 World Cup.[1]

In his international career, Azad played 7 test matches (1981–83) and 25 one-day-internationals (1980–86). Though full of potential, he couldn't take his domestic performance to the international level, scoring only 135 test runs and 269 in one-days. He picked 3 and 7 wickets in the two forms, respectively.[4]

Politics[edit | edit source]

Azad followed his father Bhagwat Jha Azad, former Chief Minister of Bihar,[5] into politics and was elected to Parliament on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Darbhanga, Bihar. He served his second term in the Lok Sabha representing Darbhanga. He was previously an MLA from Delhi's Gole Market constituency.[6] He won the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections from Darbhanga.[7] On 23 December 2015 he was suspended from BJP for openly targeting Union finance minister Arun Jaitley over alleged irregularities and corruption in Delhi's cricket body Delhi and District Cricket Association.[8] Azad joined the Indian National Congress on 18 February 2019.[9] He fought general election from Dhanbad Lok Sabha constituency for 2019 representing Indian National Congress, against BJP candidate Pashupati Nath Singh and lost it with a margin of 4.8 lakhs. In November 2021, Azad joined the Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly election and said that he will work under Mamata Banerjee till retirement from politics.[10] Since 5 March 2022, he has also been the State In-charge of the Trinamool Congress in Goa, succeeding Mahua Moitra. Azad won the 2024 Lok Sabha Election from the Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency in West Bengal.[11]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Azad was married to Poonam, who was a politician and a member of Aam Aadmi Party, and later Indian National Congress. Poonam died on 2 September 2024. They had two sons, Suryavardan and Somyavardhan.[12] His elder son Suryavardhan has played for the Delhi Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-22s, while his younger son Somyavardhan has played the for Delhi Under-15s and Under-17s.[13][14][15]

Former IPS officer and ex-Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad is his elder brother.

Views on IPL[edit | edit source]

Following a 2012 sting operation on players of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Azad came out in opposition of the tournament and demanded that it be banned.[16] Speaking about the Indian T20 team, he reportedly alleged that the players played for self rather than the country. He further said that he felt agitated and ashamed to be associated with the BCCI in the wake of the IPL controversy.

Controversy[edit | edit source]

In December 2025, during the winter session of the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged—without naming anyone—that a Trinamool Congress MP had used an e-cigarette inside the Parliament House. The allegation triggered sharp political controversy, which intensified after a video surfaced showing TMC MP Kirti Azad holding and inhaling an object. Notably, smoking is strictly prohibited inside Parliament, and e-cigarettes have been completely banned in India since 2019, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.[17][18][19]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Azad played himself in the lead role of the 2019 Indian film Kirket. The 2021 Indian film 83, which is based on India's World Cup win, featured Dinker Sharma portraying Azad's character.[20][21]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Kirti Azad". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "Rebel BJP MP Kirti Azad joins Congress". The Hindu. 18 February 2019.
  3. ↑ "Congress leader Kirti Azad joins TMC". Economic Times. 23 November 2021.
  4. ↑ "Kirti Azad". ESPNcricinfo. ESPN Sports Media Ltd. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  5. ↑ "Shri Kirti (Jha) Azad - Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) - Who's Who - Government: National Portal of India". Archived from the original on 5 September 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  6. ↑ "A veteran-newcomer fight at Gole Market". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 September 2005. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  7. ↑ "Election LIVE: BJP's third candidate list out, Ram Kripal to contest from Patliputra against Lalu's daughter". 14 March 2014.
  8. ↑ "Kirti Azad Suspended By BJP For Publicly Targeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley". NDTV. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  9. ↑ "Cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad joins Congress". The Times of India. 18 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  10. ↑ "Congress leader Kirti Azad joins TMC; says will work under Mamata Banerjee till retirement from politics". 23 November 2021.
  11. ↑ "Kirti Azad won Lok Sabha Election 2024 from Burdwan-Durgapur seat". Prabhat Khabar. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  12. ↑ "Detailed Profile: Shri Kirti (Jha) Azad". National Portal of India. Archived from the original on 5 September 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  13. ↑ "Surya Azad". CricketArchive. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  14. ↑ "Somyavardhan Azad". CricketArchive. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  15. ↑ "1983 World Cup winner and TMC MP Kirti Azad's wife passes away".
  16. ↑ "Kirti Azad begins hunger fast against IPL". IBNLive. Press Trust of India. 20 May 2012. Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  17. ↑ "Kirti Azad: পার্লামেন্ট কক্ষে ই-সিগারেটে টান TMC-র 'কীর্তি', BJP-র VIDEO পোস্টে দাবি". AajTak Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  18. ↑ "'Mamata must clarify': BJP claims TMC MP Kirti Azad vaped inside Lok Sabha; shares video". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  19. ↑ Tyagi, Vanshika. "BIG trouble for TMC! MP Kirti Azad caught 'vaping' in Lok Sabha, BJP releases video, says, 'Imagine audacity…', WATCH". DNA India. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  20. ↑ "Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83' character poster". Business Standard India. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  21. ↑ "Ranveer Singh introduces Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad in '83'". Free Press Journal. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2021.

Template:India Squad 1983 Cricket World Cup Template:India Squad 1984 Asia Cup

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kirti_Azad&oldid=466819"
Discover more