Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal said that he is proud the way every cricketer responded during the crisis to lend their hands for helping the coronavirus affected people, reports Cricfrenzy.
Members of the Bangladesh cricket team on Wednesday announced to donate the half of their one-month salary for the fight against coronavirus. A total of 27 players, including 17 players under national payroll and 10 other players who were part of the squad during recent series against Zimbabwe, have joined the initiative.
The total amount of the donation is approximately Tk 25 lakh after deducting the taxes, revealed one-day international captain Tamim Iqbal, who led the move.
“What I like the most is that there are a lot of players here who are outside of the contract. Also, there are many cricketers who are not economically strong. They may not have played in the national team, but were in the squad. Even they have donated a big number so far. And for a minute, bhai I'll think if I can give, haven't thought about.
“They were ready to donate and were happy when they were asked. This is the thing I liked the most. I think it would not be right if one of them just gets the praise here. Every cricketer here has the right to get praised. Together we donated it, 27 players. All of these 27 players should get applause,” Tamim was quoted in a private television.
“Mashrafe called me and told me to do this thing and it would be good. This is how it has started. And honestly, the three captains - Mominul, Mahmudullah and Mushfiq - they were very helpful in this regard,” he said.
“The whole world is struggling because of this one disease. As a country, we have to try to reduce as much as we can. If we give everything up on others then it will be very difficult. We also have a lot of things to do. One thing to remember today is because of this country we are here. You are a big businessman because of this country.
“You are a big cricketer because of this country. When this country is in trouble, it is our responsibility to help. It can be 100 taka, it can be 50 taka, and it can be 50 lakh taka. Everyone should help from their own position, and why it is like that, why that is not like that, despite having this discussion if we advance all together then we will see that our country will not be as affected as other countries,” he concluded.
BCB officials said that the fund deducted from the players’ salary will be handed to an appropriate body, which is involved in the fight against the virus.
