IPL 2021: Laxmi Ratan Shukla donates entire commentary fee for COVID-19 relief

IPL 2021: Laxmi Ratan Shukla donates entire commentary fee for COVID-19 relief

Laxmi Ratan Shukla

Former cricketer Laxmi Ratan Shukla announced today that he was donating his entire salary from his commentary gig in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for COVID-19 relief in the state. The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Indian international took to Twitter to announce the news and soon after, was greeted with messages of appreciation.

The IPL 2021 has been suspended indefinitely at the moment after the COVID-19 pandemic breached the teams’ bio-bubbles and led to positive tests for at least 5 personnel inside the bubble. This led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) having no choice but to stop the event. It has now been working to get all players back home safely while also brainstorming as to when and how the remainder of the season can be held.

Before all this, it is noteworthy that a plethora of cricketers came forward to contribute and donate for COVID-19 relief due to the second wave of the pandemic proving to be deadlier than ever. Australia’s Pat Cummins started it off and very soon players including Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Sheldon Jackson, Shreevats Goswami, Jason Behrendorff and Brett Lee donated for the cause. Now, Laxmi Ratan Shukla has joined the list.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla donates to West Bengal CM’s Relief Fund

Laxmi Ratan Shukla
Laxmi Ratan Shukla with Gautam Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan during his playing days

Laxmi Ratan Shukla took to Twitter today to announce the donation and wrote, “Today, 6th May 2021, on my Birthday, am humbly Donating my entire #IPL2021 commentary fees, to the #westbengal #CHIEFMINISTERRELIEF FUND. A small contribution to fight this disastrous 2nd wave Corona Situation ,from my end for my people. WinCorona #COVID19 #StaySafe #India #LRS (sic).”

It is noteworthy that after his more than decent playing career that saw him perform consistently in the domestic circuit and the IPL while also representing India in three matches, Shukla joined the Trinamool Congress and was a Member of Legislative Assembly from 2016 to 2021. After his stint however, he decided to take a break from politics.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla’s noble gesture is now being applauded by fans around India.

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