Amid COVID-19 crisis, Tendulkar donates one month ration for 5000 people in Mumbai

India's cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar continues to contribute in battle against Coronavirus pandemic as former Team India batsman decided to provide ration for 5000 underprivileged people through an NGO for a month amid lockdown period. Taking to Twitter, NGO appreciated Indian cricketer for stepping in and helping. 

Tendulkar replied to NGO's tweet by extending his best wishes for ir work. He said, "My best wishes to Apnalaya to continue your good work in service of distressed and needy," and added, "Keep up your good work." Earlier, Tendulkar had also donated Rs 50 lakhs to PM CARES Relief Fund and CM Relief Fund.

READ | Team India All-rounder Violates Lockdown Amid Coronavirus, Gets Fined

Several cricketers including BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had pledged support to PM CARES relief fund. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has contributed a sum of Rs. 51 crores to PM-CARES Fund which is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to combat deadly COVID-19. 

READ | Cricketer Poonam Yadav Pitches In Fight Versus Coronavirus Pandemic, Donates Rs 2 Lakh

Meanwhile, Former Indian skipper and current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has pledged to distribute rice worth Rs 50 lakh while Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina have come forward to lend a helping hand during this hour of crisis. Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Sunday pledged to donate a sum of Rs 10 lakh.

READ | Mohit Sharma Urges People To 'unite For Cricket & India' As World Battles COVID-19

Coronavirus crisis

In an attempt to restrict transmission of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had anunced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 25. However, as number of cases continues to increase across country, several states have requested Centre to extend period of lockdown. 

READ | Harbhajan Singh Pledges To Distribute Rations To 5000 Jalandhar Families Amid Coronavirus

On Thursday, Odisha became first state in country to extend lockdown in its state till April 30. Following Odisha, Punjab also anunced extension of lockdown till May 1 on Friday. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and Finance Minister has anunced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore pack under 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'.