New Delhi: Former West Indies cricketer Winston Benjamin, in a special request to his old friend and legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, requested some donations. Benjamin is making efforts to better the condition of cricket in his country by working on the grassroots level. The ex-Windies star also revealed that ex-India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin sent some equipment to assist him in his efforts. Benjamin said Azhar sent bats for the children and for this he has also thanked him.
West Indies, the cricketing nation that dominated the game of cricket in the 1970's and the 1980's, has seen a big decline over the last few years. The Caribbean Islands-based team's entire focus has shifted to playing T20 cricket, as a result of which things have gone from bad to worse for them in the other two formats (ODIs and T20Is).
Winston Benjamin said all this during a special conversation with Sports journalist Vimal Kumar. The video of this chat has been shared on his YouTube channel.
"Previously, we used to have a tournament in Sharjah where it used to be like a benefit game for players from different countries. I don't want benefit. All I want is for somebody to say 'here is some equipment' – 10-15 bats, that is good enough for me. I don't want 20000 US dollars. I just want some equipment so that I can give back to youngsters. That's all I am asking," said Benjamin on Vimal Kumar's youtube channel.
"Mr. Tendulkar… if you are in a position, could you assist me? Hit me up," he said while sharing his phone number," he said. "I would like to thank my good friend Mohammad Azharuddin. He sent me some equipment over. Azhar, congratulations! And thank you so much for that assistance. Stay in touch. Anyone else who wants to contribute, feel free," concluded Benjamin.
A five-match T20 International series is being played between India and West Indies. India currently leads the series 2-1.