The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) has raised ₹24 lakh to help around 30 former players who are struggling on the monetary grounds amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, an initiative that has also found support from former captain Mohammad Azharuddin. The decision to help the needy cricketers was taken at an ICA online meeting last Wednesday, it’s second since the coronavirus-forced lockdown was enforced.
Talking to PTI about the same, ICA president, Ashok Malhotra said, “Every player has contributed as per his capability. The most important thing is we made the appeal on Friday evening and by today, we have raised ₹24 lakh.”
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Of the total amount raised so far, ₹10 lakh is ICA’s contribution. Former India skipper Azharuddin has pledged to donate ₹1 lakh, along with former fast bowler, Rajinder Singh Ghai, who came out to donate a similar amount, while former players such as Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy have left no stone unturned in providing any kind of financial aid.
Malhotra added, “This means people are connected to this initiative. And I am sure the amount will increase in the coming days so that we are able to help more players. Till now we are saying that we will try to help 25-30 needy players but if the amount increases, then we can help more players. Players settled abroad have come forward in a big way. They will continue the drive till May 16.”
The ICA chief also explained that he is disappointed by the “lack of involvement of the big guns of Indian cricket.” However, as many as 1750 former cricketers are registered with the ICA, India’s first-ever players’ association which came into being last year. The ICA had received an initial grant of ₹2 crores from the BCCI in February to kick-start its operations.
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At the moment, the BCCI has only been providing pension to cricketers who have played more than 25 first-class matches. The ICA wants that cricketers who have played more than 10 games, should also be included in the pension scheme.
