Derbyshire and India legend Mohammad Azharuddin praised the county after returning for the filming for the upcoming Bollywood movie, Azhar.
The film, directed by Tony D’Souza, will be a biopic about the life of Azharuddin, who enjoyed successful spells with Derbyshire in 1991 and 1994.
In 1991, he scored 2,016 first-class runs for Derbyshire at an average of 59.29, hitting seven centuries and ten half-centuries that summer, as well as a further 500 runs in one-day matches.
He returned to Derby three years later when he hit 712 first-class runs at an average of 44.50, including two centuries, in a spell that was cut short by a recall to the India Test side.
It's great to see #DCCC and India legend Mohammad Azharuddin back at Derby today promoting @AzharTheFilm #P2bD pic.twitter.com/VnzOVCEjJw
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) August 28, 2015
Azharuddin says he thoroughly enjoyed his time at The 3aaa County Ground as he relived some happy memories.
“It is very emotional for me to be back at Derby, I heard a few of my stats earlier and I think I scored more runs for Derbyshire than I did for my state,” said Azharuddin.
“We had a fantastic side in 1991, Kim Barnett was an outstanding captain and under him we created wins. We would often create the initiative and he was very attacking in everything he did.
“I enjoyed playing with the likes of Devon Malcolm and Dominic Cork, who used to stay in my house and drive to games with me. I helped to teach Dominic how to be humble and I always knew he would play for England.
“I really enjoyed my time here, I am very proud to have represented Derbyshire and it is a beautiful place.
“The ground has changed a lot since I was last here and the wicket has changed direction, but it was a great opportunity for me to come back. I wish the team and the people all the very best for the future, it is a great place to play cricket.”
Derbyshire are back in home action on Wednesday 9 September for the start of the LV= County Championship fixture versus Essex. Supporters can save £4 by purchasing tickets in advance.
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