DDCA Cancels Kohli Felicitation Ceremony in Wake of Pulwama Attack

A special ceremony had been planned for the fifth ODI between India and Australia at New Delhi on Wednesday, 13 Mar.

A DDCA felicitation ceremony in honour of Kohli, Sehwag and Gambhir has been cancelled in light of the terror attack which martyred 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama.

(Photo: The Quint)

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has dropped plans to felicitate India captain Virat Kohli along with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in the wake of Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The DDCA had decided to felicitate the three ‘Delhi legends’ before the start of the final ODI between India and Australia on Wednesday, 13 March.

The decision was taken by DDCA after BCCI decided to not only call off the IPL opening ceremony but also donate the entire budget of the event for the welfare of the families of the martyrs.

“We had plans of felicitating Sehwag, Gambhir and Kohli but we decided against it since BCCI is also not having an opening ceremony of the IPL.”

Rajat Sharma, DDCA President

“We have also decided to donate Rs 10 lakh to Delhi Police's Martyrs Fund. As of now, 90 percent of the tickets that was put on public sale have been sold out,” Sharma said.

The DDCA, for the first time, is giving a couple of VIP passes to all former international players from the state.

“All ex players from Delhi, who have represented India deserve respect. This is the least we can do for them when an international match is being held.”

Rajat Sharma, DDCA President

As it had been for earlier games, the ‘RP Mehra Block’ gallery will not be opened for general public as the case against it is still sub-judice.