The CoA running the BCCI, had decided to cancel the glitzy opening ceremony in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.
On Saturday, before the game, officials of the CoA and BCCI — Diana Edulji, Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge, C.K. Khanna and Anirudh Chaudhry — handed over cheques amounting to a total of ₹20 crore on behalf of the BCCI to the Armed forces.
The estimated cost of hosting an IPL opening ceremony ₹20 crore and it was unanimously decided that a sum of ₹11 crore be contributed to the Indian Army, ₹7 crore to the CRPF and ₹1 crore each to the Navy and Air Force, according to a press release from the IPL.
CoA chairman Vinod Rai said, “As a federation, we felt it was best not to hold a regular IPL opening ceremony. Instead, we decided to contribute the amount towards a cause that is so important and close to everyone’s heart.”
CSK skipper Dhoni, who is honorary lieutenant colonel of the Indian territorial army, along with R. Srinivasan, Director, Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd., presented a cheque for ₹2 crore on behalf of the franchise, being the proceeds of ticket sales of the opening game, to S. Elango, DIG, CRPF, for the welfare of the families of Pulwama martyrs.