Azhar undergoes shoulder surgery

Azhar had been troubled by the shoulder injury from the home triangular series in April and missed a few matches, including the final against Pakistan at Bangalore. He also did not play three matches in the subsequent tri-series in Sharjah, though he did play in the final which India lost to Pakistan.

Azhar8217;s future as the Indian captain is under a cloud following the team8217;s elimination after the Super Six stage in the World Cup. The selectors are to meet some time in August to decide the captain and team for the next venture, the three-nation tournament in Sri Lanka, from August 22-31.

Azhar has said he was confident of playing at the highest level for the next two years, butmany former players and officials have called for his replacement with Ajay Jadeja being recommended to take over the job.

The Indian cricket board is to bear the cost of shoulder surgery undergone by Azharuddin.

8220;We will take care of the expenses. It seems to be the same sort of injury 8212; rotator cuff tear 8212; for which Javagal Srinath had been operated upon in 1997,8221; Board president Raj Singh Dungarpur said.

Dungarpur, who returned from London today after attending the International Cricket Council ICC meeting last week, said he had spoken to the Indian captain after his surgery.

8220;It may take at least three weeks to heal, according to my knowledge. There was swelling on his shoulder,8221; he said.

8220;Quite a few past Indian cricketers have suffered such injuries, notably Chandu Borde and Hanumant singh, because of the need to throw the ball while fielding,8221; Raj Singh explained.