A lot of our cricketers have done a lot of stuff for chairty not only now but always. This time as well, I knmow personally how many each of them have contributed. Just because it is fashionable to berate cricketers, it is not fair to rip them apart. I know there have been many announcements, do we forget that the match in Melbourne is being organised on the suggestion of the man who was supposed to rule Indian cricket, Jagmohan Dalmiya. And the Indians especially Sachin Tendulkar do a lot of charity, just that they do not belive tomtomming like Steve Waugh, who makes a huge song and dance about everything. If you do a good deed never tell the world, that's what is the unwritten rule. Yesterday Parthiv Patel also donated some money. You talk about cricketers, what has Bhaichung Bhutia done, what about other sporting federations. How many of the politicians have contributed money., they may have just because it does not come out in the public you cannot go around berating people.
Our cricketers are held at such high esteem by our gullible countrymen, only to be betrayed at such tragic times. Many of those kids who died probably were playing cricket on the beach, only with the hope of serving Indian cricket someday. Our pocket-heavy, ever-greedy bunch of jokers who claim to play cricket can certainly remove the "bangles" from their hands and join others in resurrecting India. Else they would only be greeted with slippers next time they take the field.
I don't think we can force things like these. These things should done from heart. Such article leaves a bad taste. Tsunami Disaster should not be the only scaling factor. I know quite a few cricketers who help considerably to under-privileged children, physically challenged kids, etc.. Even Tendulkar has insisted the Asian Cricket Council to include his name for the fund-raising match inspite being advised complete rest for his tennis elbow injury. Pressurising the cricketers may not be right always. One just can't be angry with rich people who don't seem to help much by way of charity. Charity comes from heart..
First, I am yet to hear any one of the cricketers talk and express sympathy. Same goes for our film stars. Both these groups of people thrive on the money and audulation they receive from the public. And at a time like this they are safely ensconsed in their private dens. No word of sympathy yet? Secondly, it is a shame that we followed the other cricket boards in making a donation. Thirdly, auctioning bats is again taking the public money and donating it. What have our cricketers done on their own as a personal choice? Parthiv Patel donated money collected from school children to the PM's relief fund. Forthly, when cricketers need tax breaks for fancy cars and other items they are willing to scream and beg, but sadly at times such as these they are no where to be seen. The attitude of our cricketers and filmstars is quite pathetic, shameful and embarassing.
Individuals cannot make a dent by their own donations. What would really help, coming from our cricketers, is leadersip. Ad campaigns, public appearences and publicity campaigns about how common people can help is what is required. Social service should be made fashionable and cricketers should use their brand value to do so.
Aashish Magothra's column on whether our cricketers are doing enough is really in bad taste. It is really no one's business how or what ANYONE's contributing to charity. This kind of tirade cheapens the entire process of hearfelt donations. How does Mr.Magothra know if any of these cricketers have not made any contributions. If they did it anonymously and wish for it to stay that way then that's the way it should be. What is all this nonsense about earning goodwill with donations? Donations are made to try and ease the pain and suffering of those who lost not only their near and dear, but also everything they possess. No one intends to bargain for anything when they donate to these charities. I am a fan of almost everything cricket that Mr.Magothra pens. Perhaps he should stick to that ...
Charity usually comes from within. One cannot force others to give (then, technically, it's really not charity). I am not sure that we should be wasting our time auditing the paises & rupees that the cricketers have contributed to this cause so far. Instead, it would be more useful if we devoted our attention to what most of us commoners could do to help out with the disaster relief effort.
What have you done Ashish beside getting on the case of Indian Cricketers. How much did u give. I hope you are going to do same for victims as u r asking cricketers to do.
