In the wake of the unfortunate Pulwama attack that took the precious lives of 40 CRPF personnel, the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has cancelled the plans to felicitate Indian skipper Virat Kohli along with former Indian opening duo Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
The decision was taken by DDCA after BCCI decided to not only call off the IPL opening ceremony but also donate the entire budget of the event for the welfare of the families of the martyrs.
At the same time, the association has now planned to honour the three 'Delhi legends' before the start of the final ODI between India and Australia on Wednesday.
“We had plans of felicitating Sehwag, Gambhir and Kohli but we decided against it since BCCI is also not having an opening ceremony of the IPL,” DDCA President Rajat Sharma said.
“We have also decided to donate Rs 10 lakh to Delhi Police's Martyrs Fund. As of now, 90 per cent of the tickets that were put on public sale has been sold out,” Sharma said.
The DDCA for the first time is giving a couple of VIP passes to all the former international players from the state.
“All ex-players from Delhi, who have represented India deserve respect. This is the least we can do for them when an international match is being held,” Sharma said.
As it had been for earlier games, the 'RP Mehra Block' gallery will not be opened for the general public as the case is still sub-judice.