Amidst reports that he may contest elections, ex-cricketer Mohd Azharuddin is seeking admission into the Congress party.

Azharuddin had met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in October last, Moily told reporters but parried a question whether he would be given a party ticket in the elections.

"He (Azharuddin) met us (Moily, Reddy and PCC President D Srinivas) and expressed his desire to serve the Congress party and the country," he said, adding the first step has been taken and there are other procedures to follow regarding admission.

Asked about reports that Azhar could be the Congress candidate in Hyderabad, Moily said, "that's a different matter. He has expressed his desire to join Congress and there is a process of admission. We will take a decision".

He expressed happiness over Azhar's intention to join the Congress and described him as a cricketing icon who was the longest serving Indian captain.

Asked about the ban on Azhar from playing cricket, Moily shot back saying "there is no ban on joining political parties. Forget about it".

The 45-year-old former Indian captain had stopped playing cricket after the ban was imposed on him by the BCCI for alleged match-fixing activities in 2000. He has challenged the ban in court.