'Could you assist me?' - Former West Indies bowler asks Sachin Tendulkar for help

Former West Indies bowler Winston Benjamin has asked for help from Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to provide cricket equipments to Caribbean youngsters. Cricket West Indies has been struggling to provide financial stability which has affected the team’s performance for the last few years. West Indies rank eighth in ICC Test rankings, seventh in T20Is, and ninth in ODI rankings with financial instability being a possible cause for it.

Many prominent current players have had disputes with the board over lack of financial support, which has led to key senior players not playing in international matches. Cricket West Indies recently introduced a new and unique tournament ‘6IXTY’ which can bring more money with international stars featuring in the first edition. But grassroots programmes in the Caribbean nations are definitely lacking support and financial help. Benjamin, who has 161 international wickets to his name, has urged the cricketing fraternity to provide help in the form of equipment.

“Previously, we used to have a tournament in Sharjah where it used to be like a benefit game for players from different countries. I don’t want benefits. All I want is for somebody to say ‘here is some equipment’ – 10-15 bats, that is good enough for me. I don’t want 20000 US dollars. I want some equipment so that I can give back to youngsters. That’s all I am asking,” Benjamin said in a YouTube video posted by sports journalist Vimal Kumar.

Benjamin thanks Mohammad Azharuddin for the help and asks Sachin Tendulkar for his assistance

Benjamin made his Test debut against India in 1987 and made over 100 international appearances for West Indies. He has played against former Indian captains Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar on many occasions as well. In the same video, he revealed that Azharuddin sent over equipments in the past and thanked the Indian legend for the support. Meanwhile, he also requested Sachin to donate and provided his contact number as well.

“Mr. Tendulkar… if you are in a position, could you assist me? Hit me up. I would like to thank my good friend Mohammad Azharuddin. He sent me some equipment over. Azhar, congratulations! And thank you so much for that assistance. Stay in touch. Anyone else who wants to contribute, feel free,” Benjamin added.