BCCI to felicitate the 'Fab Five' of Indian cricket at IPL Opening Ceremony 2017

In a very appreciated move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to felicitate the five legends of Indian cricket during the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. The five players, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag, are popularly together known as the Fab Five of Indian cricket. Their contribution to the game of cricket in India has been immense and it would not be wrong to state that the Indian team flourished during their playing days. Now, they are all set to be felicitated for their contributions to the game of cricket in the country.

The IPL Chairman, Rajeev Shukla, announced the same on Thursday as per the quotes in Times of India. The decision to felicitate the legends of the game was taken in the Governing Council (GC) meeting. The players will be honored during the opening ceremony of IPL which is scheduled to take place at Hyderabad on April 5.

“The decision was taken at the GC meeting that five legends of Indian cricket — Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag will be felicitated during the opening ceremony in Hyderabad on April 5,” quoted Rajeev Shukla.

Interestingly, out of the five players listed to be felicitated, four of have been the captain of the national side as well – VVS Laxman being the only exception. Another startling fact that caught the attention of many was the fact that former legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble was not listed among the ones to be felicitated. His services to the game of cricket in India has been immense too. Kumble is currently the coach of the national side.

Also, the CoA member Diana Edulji has made a request to give one time ex-gratia payment to the former India women’s cricketers. These cricketers will be handed their cheques at the local venues during the matches this season.