Ahead of the fifth ODI between India and Australia, the Delhi District Cricket Association had planned to felicitate Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir before the match. But now, the Delhi cricket board has now decided to cancel the plan in the wake of the Pulwama Attack. The deadly incident which happened on February 14, 2019, had claimed the lives of more than 40 CRPF men. Instead, the DDCA now will donate Rs 10 Lakh to Delhi Police Martyrs Fund. Team India look to seal off World Cup preparation with series win against Australia at Kotla in the 5th ODI 2019 (Preview).

DDCA President told, "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. 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 has been sold out." The DDCA like the BCCI will not have a fancy IPL opening ceremony for this season. Team India Creates an Unwanted Record After Losing to Australia in 4th ODI 2019 in Mohali. 

Even the Indian team paid their respects to the martyrs by wearing camouflage caps during the third ODI between India and Australia, Ranchi. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni had distributed the caps to the players before the match. Captain Virat Kohli mentioned that the team would donate their earning to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack and also urged the fans to contribute. Team India will play their next game against Australia in Delhi on March 13, 2019 which will be the decider of the series.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 12, 2019 12:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).