In a remarkable initiative blending the passion for cricket with philanthropy, iconic cricket stars Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and many other renowned Team India and international cricketers have contributed their historic memorabilia for a charity auction benefiting the Vipla Foundation.
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty are organising this unique auction of cricket memorabilia, “Cricket for a Cause: To Benefit the Vipla Foundation,” an organization committed to empowering underprivileged communities across India. The auction will feature rare and iconic cricket items, making it a must-attend event for cricket enthusiasts and philanthropists alike. The auction will take place online on Pundole on 23rd August 2024 at 6:30 PM IST, offering cricket enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own exclusive pieces of cricketing history while supporting a noble cause.
Vipla Foundation has been empowering women and children for over 36 years, and has a special school for the hearing impaired and intellectually disabled. The school complex features state-of-the-art infrastructure such as smart classrooms, speech therapy rooms, a library, a canteen, a dining area, a play area and many other such facilities. The Cricket for a Cause auction is an initiative to support the school to provide quality education to special children from disadvantaged communities. Vipla Foundation’s Trustee, Mana Shetty says,
“This is not just an auction; it’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and make a difference. It’s heartwarming to see the cricketing legends come together for such a noble cause. Every item tells a story of passion, hard work, and triumph. By participating in this auction, you’re not just owning a piece of cricket history—you’re supporting a cause that can change lives. Every contribution counts, and together, we can create a brighter future for so many children and women. Please join us in making it a success.”
The auction features 27 extraordinary items, each with deep historical significance, generously donated by the legends of the game. Highlights include:
MS Dhoni’s Signed Cricket Bat (IPL 2024): A symbol of leadership and composure, this bat represents Dhoni’s unmatched ability to steer his team through high-pressure moments.
Virat Kohli’s Signed Team India Jersey (ICC World Cup 2019) and Signed Batting Gloves (ICC World Cup 2019): Worn by Kohli during his last ODI World Cup as captain, this jersey embodies his excellence and leadership that propelled India to the semi-finals..
Rohit Sharma’s Signed Cricket Bat (ICC World Cup 2023): The bat from the tournament where Rohit broke records and led India to an unbeaten streak into the finals.
KL Rahul’s Signed Cricket Bat (ICC World Cup 2023) and Signed Batting Gloves (ICC World Cup 2023): Used in his extraordinary match-winning knock against Australia, this bat is a testament to his resilience and skill.
In addition to these marquee items, the auction catalogue includes treasured jerseys, gloves, and cricket bats from other cricketing greats like Rahul Dravid’s Signed Bat (India’s Tour of England 2011), Jasprit Bumrah’s Signed Team India Jersey (ICC World Cup 2023), Ravichandran Ashwin’s Signed Jersey, Shreyas Iyer’s Signed Cricket Bat, Yuzvendra Chahal’s Signed Rajasthan Royals Jersey (IPL 2024), Rishabh Pant’s Signed Gloves and Cricket Bat, Sanju Samson’s Signed Rajasthan Royals Jersey (IPL 2024), Ravindra Jadeja’s Signed Chennai Super Kings Jersey, a Signed Lucknow Super Giants Cricket Bat (IPL 2024) featuring autographs from the entire LSG team and international players; Jos Buttler’s Signed Rajasthan Royals Jersey (IPL 2024), Quinton de Kock’s Signed Wicket-Keeping Gloves (IPL 2024), Marcus Stoinis’ Signed Cricket Bat, Nicholas Pooran’s Signed Lucknow Super Giants Jersey (IPL 2024). These items starting bids are from Rs 50,000 to ₹3,50,000.
Renowned for curating and selling high-quality art, antiques, and collectibles, the premier auction house, Pundole, will host this auction in support of the Vipla Foundation, bringing together the worlds of cricket and philanthropy. Cricket fans worldwide are encouraged to visit Pundole’s website to view the complete catalogue and register for this momentous auction. With items that capture the essence of cricketing brilliance and legacy, this auction presents a rare chance to own a piece of history while making a meaningful contribution to society.
