Hyderabad, Nov 6 (IANS): A Hyderabad court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin in four cases for alleged misappropriation of funds of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

The court barred the Rachakonda police from arresting Azharuddin, who served as the president of the HCA till early this year.

The court said the police may serve a notice to Azharuddin under Section 41A of CrPC for questioning.

The court order came as a relief to the former MP and working president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, who is contesting as Congress candidate from Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.

Last month, four criminal cases were registered against Azharuddin and others for alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 3.85 crore.

The cases were booked at Uppal Police Station under Rachakonda Police Commissionerate.

The funds meant for purchase of cricket balls, gym equipment, fire safety equipment and chairs at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, was allegedly misappropriated.

The cases were booked on a complaint by HCA CEO Suneel Kante Bose.

Azharuddin and others were charged for criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

The former cricketer had termed the allegations false and motivated.

"I have seen news reports that have reported that FIR's have been registered against me on complaints by CEO, HCA. I want to state that these are all false & motivated allegations & I am in no way connected with the allegations. I will reply to the motivated allegations against me at an appropriate time. This is just a stunt pulled by my rivals to ruin my reputation. We shall stay strong and fight harder," Azharuddin had posted on 'X'.