Vijay Mallya in attendance at Virat Kohli’s charity event in London

After India started their title defence in style, humiliating arch-rivals Pakistan by 124 runs at the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium in Birmingham, Virat Kohli hosted a charity ball in London. Absconding businessman Vijay Mallya was one of the attendees of the ball that was organised to raise funds for Justice and Care organisation – an organisation that works towards fighting human trafficking. The organisation offers a safe place to stay, counselling, rehabilitation, vital medical care, vocational training and schooling for those rescued in India.

Mallya was also seen in attendance at the India vs Pakistan match and the camera was shown on him quite a number of times. The former owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore and current owner of Force India is out on bail while being wanted in India for defaulting on bank loans with his Kingfisher Airlines which is now defunct.

As per the Indian Express, Mallya had the Champions Trophy lanyards – a stadium pass as well as pitch pass. Vijay Mallya left India in March 2016 after being listed as one of the 11 people in CBI’s charge sheet on Kingfisher Airlines’ unpaid loans to IDBI Bank. This is why the internet was surprised to see him stand at the stands in Edgbaston. As per reports, he owes Indian banks Rs 9,000 crore.

Sachin & Indian teammates attended the event

The event was also attended by Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli’s teammates MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Some of the players’ wives were also spotted at the event. Dhawan was accompanied by his wife Ayesha Mukherjee and son Zoravar, whereas Rohit’s wife Ritika Sajdeh was also spotted.

Slavery needs to be stopped

“I am proud to support the work of Justice and Care. Its commitment to bring an end to slavery is vital and inspirational and so close to my heart,” Kohli is quoted as saying on the organisation’s official website.