Azharuddin Pledges Support As ICA Raises Rs 24 Lakh For Needy Former Cricketers Amid lockdown

"Every player has contributed as per his capability. The most important thing is we made the appeal on Friday evening and by today, we have raised Rs 24 lakh," ICA president Ashok Malhotra told PTI.

Former Indian cricket captain and former MP Mohammad Azharuddin (PIC/Twitter video)

New Delhi: In a noble bid to help out former Indian cricketers who are in dire need of  funds amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) has raised Rs 24 lakhs , a innitiative that has also caught the interest and support of former captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

The decision to provide the needy cricketers with much required financial aid was taken at an ICA online meeting last Wednesday, its second since the coronavirus-forced lockdown was enforced. "Every player has contributed as per his capability. The most important thing is we made the appeal on Friday evening and by today, we have raised Rs 24 lakh," ICA president Ashok Malhotra told PTI. Of the total amount raised so far, Rs 10 lakh is ICA's contribution. Former India skipper Azharuddin has pledged to donate Rs one lakh, along with former pacer Rajinder Singh Ghai, who also donated similar amount. while former players such as Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy have also come forward to help with financial aid. "This means people are connected to this initiative. And I am sure the amount will increase in the coming days so that we are able to help more players," Malhotra said.