Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev lend support as ICA raises Rs 39 lakh to financially help cricketers amid the lockdown

With the evolution of the BCCI and cricket extravaganza in the nation, cricketers are now capable of making more than enough money. The financial scenario has soared up to a whole new level and cricketers are now capable enough to make a good amount of money for themselves.

However, for the cricketers who don’t have jobs or who don’t get pension from the BCCI or state associations, ICA was set up to do the needful. The ICA had received an initial grant of Rs 2 crore from the BCCI in February to initiate its operation. ICA is a one-of-a-kind players’ association and India’s first-ever players’ association which was established last year. As many as 1750 former cricketers are registered with the association.

Amid the national lockdown, many individuals including players have weakened financially. In this stern situation, The ICA has so far raised Rs 39 lakh to help former cricketers who are in need of funds during the pandemic. ICA’s President Ashok Malhotra has revealed that veteran India players like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have also pledged their support in the initiative to help around 30 players amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The lockdown in India has been extended for two more weeks

“Big names like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Gautam Gambhir and Gundappa Viswanath have joined us and that is a major boost to our initiative. A corporate from Gujarat has also offered its support,” Malhotra said as quoted by India Today.

In these trying times, players like Gavaskar, Dev, Gambhir as well Mohammad Azharuddin have come forward to lend financial support to needy players. The ICA will continue to accept donations till May 15, following which it will shortlist 5-6 cricketers from each zone. The ICA has also contributed INR 10 lakh to aid the initiative. Such financial contributions will be a great help to those cricketers who are currently in dire need of funds.

“Cricketers who don’t have jobs, who don’t get pension from the BCCI or their respective state associations will be offered help,” Malhotra had said earlier.

The COVID-19 outbreak has wreaked havoc across the world and over 2 lakh individuals have tested positive so far. Talking about India, the nation has witnessed over 1000 deaths and the possibility of resumption of sporting activities looks bleak at the moment.