Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi slams BCCI for their real urge for the welfare of the COVID victims in India.
COVID-19 second wave is currently a matter of concern for Indians as there are multiple COVID cases are being reported daily.
In this tough situation, many public figures are coming forward to save their country. Many IPL cricketers are also donating to help the country in this hour of crisis. But BCCI has not yet taken any major steps for the help of the COVID victims.
In a recent interview, Lalit Modi said, “The BCCI should pledge to give 10 percent at least of its IPL earnings over the last two years for Covid victims and rehabilitation of the families who have lost their breadwinners. It is the fans who have made the game of cricket so big in India. This is the time to react and give back to the nation.”
“10% will be round about R700-800 crores. Imagine the difference that money can make for the rehabilitation and treatment of patients.”- he added.
“It is quite shameful, very, very in fact. BCCI had not come out strongly on an everyday basis. Not to have worn black bands, not to take a knee is something that baffles me.”
“Let’s not forget that history will document how the Indian cricketers reacted when a calamity of this magnitude started India in the face.”- he added.
What according to Lalit Modi should have done differently ?
– Every IPL match should start with a minute’s silence to pay homage to each life lost due to this pandemic.
– The players he says “can also bend the knee, they must pray for people lost. And they must wear a black band in all the matches, that’s a must, must, must.”
– TV, he says, can do away with the post-match prize ceremony for individual performances. “Just have the captain interviews and that’s it. No extra show of huge cheques or money at the time of such despair.”
– Cricketers he says, “are the sweethearts of this nation along with the Bollywood actors. And it is time for them to give out the right message.”
– To uplift, he says, put a hand around the shoulder of the fans. “Show solidarity, show support, express concern, money isn’t everything. Even a kind word can heal a broken heart in these times.”
– Modi wants the IPL’s broadcasting messaging around safety and biosecurity to be “more serious and more impactful” and move from the commentators to the players at the centre. “I would go as far as have the captains walk out for the toss with masks to put it across to the millions of youngsters watching to do the same when they’re outdoors.”
– He wants players to carry badges or jerseys requesting people to get vaccinated, to encourage them to take the jab and “clear all myths and false propaganda against it.”
– Indian cricket’s financial outlay during the pandemic needed to go wide and deep. “All cricketers should voluntarily give some portion of the IPL earnings for the victims.”
– ‘BCCI should pledge 10 per cent’
– Venues should be limited to only two.
