IPL 2019: BCCI donates opening ceremony funds to security forces

The Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF jawans, was one of the deadliest attacks on the Indian security forces. The incident triggered a period of tension between India and Pakistan and cricket was the target. The attack prompted many cricketing personalities to boycott the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 game against Pakistan in Manchester on June 16. It resulted in many Pakistan cricketer’s photos being removed from cricketing associations in Mumbai, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Following the terror attack, the head of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai stated that there would be no opening ceremony for the 2019 Indian Premier League. “There will be no IPL opening ceremony. Instead, the money will be donated to Pulwama martyrs,” Rai had announced at that time.

Just ahead of the opening game between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram stadium, the BCCI has donated all the opening ceremony funds to the Indian armed forces. In a statement released by the Indian Premier League, CoA Chairman Rai said, “As a federation, we felt it was best not to hold a regular IPL opening ceremony. Instead, we decided to contribute the amount towards a cause that is so important and close to everyone’s heart.”

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The estimated cost of the opening ceremony was Rs 20 crore. It was decided that the BCCI would donate a sum of Rs 11 crore be contributed to the Indian Army, Rs 7 crore to the CRPF and Rs 1 crore each to the Navy and Air Force respectively. 

Lieutenant General Ravindra Thodge, who is also a member of CoA said, “The national interest is of utmost importance to us. We understand the sentiments of the people and the families that have been affected by the Pulwama attack and martyred in operations in J&K, Northeast and anti Naxal operations or otherwise during the course of their Duty. We respect and admire our Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. This move was our way of showing solidarity and making a contribution in whatever capacity possible.”

MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings have defeated Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore six consecutive times from 2014. This is the first time after six years that CSK, the three-time champions and current defending champions will play against RCB at the MA Chidambaram stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Pulwama terror attack killed 40 CRPF jawans.
• The IPL 2019 opening ceremony was cancelled.
• CSK will take on RCB at the MA Chidambaram stadium.