India and Australia will play the fifth and final ODI of the ongoing five-match series on March 13 (Wednesday). Ahead of the tie, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) had decided to felicitate the hometown’s famed trio — Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag — but have decided against it. The decision was taken in the wake of the deadly Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, and as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the terror attack.
DDCA President told, “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. We have also decided to donate Rs 10 lakh to Delhi Police’s Martyrs Fund. As of now, 90 percent of the tickets that was put on public sale has been sold out.”
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,” added the 62-year-old.
DDCA followed the path of BCCI who have decided to go ahead without a glamorous opening ceremony for the forthcoming IPL season, which commences from March 23.