IPL 2019: CSK to donate the season-opener proceeds to families of Pulwama martyrs

In yet another beautiful gesture from the cricketing fraternity for the martyrs of the Pulwama attack, defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to donate the ticket proceeds of their season-opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the families of the victims of the terror attack. This is just the latest step from India’s cricketing fraternity to help and show solidarity with the affected families.

Ever since the attack took place, the cricket boards, players and fans have come together to do everything they can to help the martyrs’ families. Earlier this month, the Indian players had donned special military caps during the third ODI against Australia in Ranchi as a tribute to the armed forces of the nation. Prior to that, the BCCI had announced there would be no opening ceremony for this year’s IPL and instead a part of the budget allocated for the ceremony will be donated to the families.  According to media reports, the BCCI is likely to donate INR 20 crore.

Recently, another IPL franchise – Kings XI Punjab – donated Rs 5 lakh each to families of five CRPF soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack. In addition, military bands will perform at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium ahead of the opening fixture of the tournament. Chennai Super Kings’ team director Rakesh Singh, on Wednesday, announced that skipper MS Dhoni will present the cheque.

“Our captain MS Dhoni, who is honorary lieutenant colonel of the Indian territorial army, will present the cheque,” Rakesh was quoted as saying by Sportstar. Meanwhile, the tickets for the much-awaited clash were sold out within hours on the opening day of sale.

Super Kings eye strong start

Buoyed by the success in the last season, the CSK will be looking to hit the ground running this year. They won the competition last season against all the odds and after spending so much time together, the players are only expected to perform even better this season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, will be desperate to start well this time around after finishing sixth last season.

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