Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin on Wednesday thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for making efforts to lift his life ban.

The Hyderabadi, who was banned for life in 2000 for his alleged role in the match-fixing episode, was at the PCA stadium in Mohali to watch the first semi-final in the Champions Trophy, between Australia and New Zealand.

- All about the match-fixing scandal

Azharuddin said he made the trip to Mohali since the Punjab Cricket Association had extended him a special invitation.

"I am really thankful to the PCA for inviting me. It's so kind of them to invite me, that's why I honoured the invite," he said.

Asked how it felt to be at a cricket stadium after so long: "It's not a long time. I saw a Test match [India vs England] in Mumbai too a few months back.

The BCCI regime under Sharad Pawar is making efforts to get the life ban on Azharuddin lifted.

"I am really thankful to the BCCI for this," he added, refusing further comment.