IPL 2021: Laxmi Ratan Shukla donates his commentary gig salary for COVID-19 fight
Former Bengal captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla has come forward and made a sizable donation for the fight against coronavirus. The former Indian all-rounder has been involved in cricket media since his retirement from sports. He was one of the commentators during Star Sports’ coverage of the IPL 2021 in Bengali.
The cricketer has now made a contribution for the better of the situation of coronavirus. The 40-year-old announced on Twitter that he has decided to contribute all his earnings from his recent gig as the Bengali commentator for the IPL 2021. He announced that he would be making the contribution, on May 6, which is his birthday.
The contribution was made to the chief minister’s relief fund for the fight against COVID-19. He said he hopes to help in this situation of desperation as the country continues its battle against the second wave of the coronavirus. The IPL 2021 was called off midway and postponed indefinitely after the crisis of COVID struck.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla was the Sports Minister of West Bengal between 2016 and 2021
Thank you, @Lshukla6!?
The former India cricketer is stepping up in India’s fight against Covid-19 by donating his entire IPL 2021 commentary fees.#COVID19India #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/Tbs1fYNiqU
— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) May 6, 2021
Laxmi Ratan held the position of Minister of State Sports and Youth Services of West Bengal from 2016 when he was elected in his district of Howrah. However, he resigned from the position earlier this year. He has been involved in several campaigns in his state during the coronavirus pandemic to help the poor and people who are suffering.
Before retiring from cricket and becoming a politician, Shukla was among the best players in his state team, Bengal. He presented the team for almost 18 years, between 1997 and 2015. He played a significant role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ triumph in the IPL 2012. The Bengal player was with his home side for six seasons, before Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) got him on board. Shukla also played a season for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015. He retired with 137 first-class, 141 List A, and 81 T20 matches.