BCCI to donate INR 20 crore to Army Welfare Fund at the IPL opener

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to contribute to the Army Welfare Fund, as well as to the National Defence Fund. Reports suggest that the donation will be made on March 23 when the Chennai Super Kings take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener of IPL 2019. A generous amount of INR 20 crore has reportedly been sanctioned by the Committee of Administrators (CoA).

The reports in India TV further suggest that senior members of the Indian Armed forces have been invited to attend the season opener. One of the BCCI officials, who chose not to be named, confirmed the same and remarked that MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli will be handing over the first share of the amount to one of the invited dignitaries during the function.

“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,” the BCCI official was quoted as saying.

It is worth noting that this is not the first gesture of appreciation or kindness that the Indian cricket team would be showing towards the Armed forces. During the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, the Indian team wore camouflaged army caps to show their support to the Indian armed forces in the times of crisis. This was in the wake of Pulwama Terror attacks due to which as many as 40 CRPF jawans martyred.

No glitzy season opener?

Apparently, the CoA and the BCCI were keen on strapping down the budget of the glitzy IPL season opener and rather contribute to the noble cause. Last season, the budget for the IPL opening ceremony was INR 15 crore.

“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,” the official noted.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that CK Khanna, the acting BCCI President, was the one who initiated a request to the CoA to consider a donation of INR 5 crore to the Army Welfare Fund. Reacting to the news of the BCCI giving away INR 20 crore for the same cause, Khanna expressed his happiness on the news.

“I am not aware of the amount that CoA has earmarked for donation. If it is Rs 20 crore, then it is a great news. This is the least we could do for our soldiers,” Khanna exclaimed.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.