The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised to donate a sum of Rs 20 crores for the welfare of the armed Indian forces especially after the Pulwama terror attack which killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.
As per reports in India Today, it is learnt that the BCCI brass is planning to invite the eminent senior dignitaries from the Indian Armed forced (Army Navy and Airforce) during the opening match of IPL 12 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 23rd March.
“Yes, the CoA has sanctioned Rs 20 crore which will be contributed towards the Army Welfare Fund. On the opening day with both Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli being present, the first portion of the said amount will be handed over to one of the dignitaries,” a senior BCCI official close to the development was quoted by India Today.
The Committee of Administrators has decided not to organize any star-studded and glittering opening ceremony for the 12th edition of the tournament. They have instead decided to contribute the entire budget for the opening ceremony to the welfare of the armed forces.
“The budget of IPL opening ceremony was around Rs 15 crore during the last edition. It was a decision that BCCI will raise it to Rs 20 crore. The amount will be contributed towards Army Welfare Fund as well as National Defence Fund,” he added.
The original proposal was made by Acting President CK Khanna who had initially requested for a donation of Rs 5 crores to the welfare of the armed forces. Khanna further added that he is not aware of how many donations they will be giving. However, he felt that this is just the least which can be done for our soldiers who actually help us sleep without any stress.
“I am not aware of the amount that CoA has earmarked for donation. If it is Rs 20 crore, then it is a piece of great news. This is the least we could do for our soldiers,” Khanna said.
It was just very recently during the 5 match ODI series against Australia that India paid tribute to the armed forces by wearing camouflaged caps during the 3rd ODI of the tournament.