Maharashtra cricketers create 'Gamechangers' Relief Fund; raise Rs 1.50 lakh to help the needy

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought the lives of the people to a screeching halt amidst the three-week lockdown in the country. Daily Wage workers and poor families have suffered the most during this period and the cricketing fraternity is doing its every bit to help them. Maharashtra cricketers have come forward for the same and Naushad Shaikh who recently led the state team in the Ranji season for a brief period is spearheading the campaign.

Shaikh has been joined by the like minded players like pacer Nikit Dhumal, Suraj Shinde (Maharashtra U-23), Yash Kshirsagar (U-23 captain and Ranji player) and Shubham Chavan, the state Ranji team’s massuer). They have created ‘The Gamechangers Relief Fund’ which is also assisted by a few clubs in Maharashtra as well.

A total of Rs 1.50 lakh have been raised thus far and their target is to help 100 families at the start. The cricketers will distribute ration (wheat, sugar and rice) as these things are essential for survival. “We have been able to raise Rs 1.50 lakh till now and now will start distribution of ration packets to the groundsmen and also the daily wage workers, who reside in the slums,” Naushad Shaikh was quoted as saying by India Today.

Ranji players from other teams also contributed

Though the relief fund has been created by Maharashtra cricketers, even the players from the other states have come forward to donate. The likes of Aditya Sarwate, Manan Vohra, Ruturaj Gaikwad among others have donated to the noble cause. Industrialist Punit Balan who himself is a former cricketer has come up with a notable contribution of Rs 50,000.

“Not only players from Maharashtra, but even players from other states/associations came forward and helped. Ranji players from other teams like Aditya Sarvate (Vidarbha), Prashant Parmeshwaran (Kerala), Manan Vohra (Punjab) and his Maharashtra teammates Ruturaj Gaikwad, Satyajit Bacchav have also contributed. Several other local players have also come forward to help,” Shaikh added while also confirming that no social worker or NGO has been involved in this campaign.