Cricketers, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and other members have been coming forward with donations to help the country in the fight against Covid-19. While a number of efforts are being made from the Indian cricketing spectrum to help those affected by the deadly virus, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi feels the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should be making a hefty donation.
Modi, under whose guidance the IPL came into being for the first time in 2008, admitted being baffled with the BCCI’s insensitivity in these crisis times and has asked the board to do more.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Modi said: “The BCCI should pledge to give 10 percent at least of its IPL earnings over the last two years for Covid victims and rehabilitation of the families who have lost their breadwinners. It is the fans who have made the game of cricket so big in India. This is the time to react and give back to the nation.”
He further explained that 10% donation would mean roughly INR 700 to 800 crores coming towards the aid of people who are battling the virus.
“10% will be round about R700-800 crores. Imagine the difference that money can make for rehabilitation and treatment of patients,” he added.
He also questioned the cricketers for not giving a stronger message by wearing black armbands or not taking a knee on a regular basis.
“Quite shameful, very, very in fact” that the cricketers “had not come out strongly on an everyday basis. Not to have worn black bands, not to take a knee is something that baffles me. Let’s not forget that history will document how the Indian cricketers reacted when a calamity of this magnitude stared India in the face.”
Even the IPL, Modi feels, could’ve done a lot more in these unprecedented times.
“(The IPL) could have done so much more. I don’t know who is stopping them. Every life matters, every Indian matters, this is a time for solidarity and coming together,” he asserted.
At present, a number of players including Shikhar Dhawan, Pat Cummins, Ajinkya Rahane, Rajasthan Royals franchise, etc. have stepped up with donations. The Royal Challengers Bangalore have also launched a new initiative that will see them wear a blue kit to raise money for the Covid victims.
