(Image Source: BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] The ICC Cricket World Cup is eagerly anticipated, commencing on October 5, across ten venues in India. India is hosting the global event for the fourth time after previously doing so in 1987, 1996, and 2011.
In preparation for this grand event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated a significant gesture called the ‘Golden Ticket,’ which has been presented to prominent figures in the country. The Bollywood icon, Amitabh Bachchan, was the first to receive this special pass in September. Subsequently, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah presented it to the legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, earning praise from World Cup-winning cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.
Gavaskar applauded the BCCI’s decision to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. He suggested that the ‘Golden Ticket’ should also be awarded to other notable figures, including two World Cup-winning cricket captains, MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, and ISRO chief S. Somnath.
The cricketing legend likened this initiative to practices seen at Wimbledon and the US Open Tennis, where champions from various sports are invited to witness the tournaments.
Gavaskar emphasized that India has numerous sporting heroes, and recognizing them through the ‘Golden Ticket’ would enhance the BCCI’s image. He also mentioned veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna, who performed well at the US Open, and table tennis legend Sharath Kamal as deserving recipients of this recognition.
In conclusion, Sunil Gavaskar commended the BCCI for this initiative, highlighting that it’s the recognition that truly matters and that it reflects well on the organization.