Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has provided financial help to bat-maker Ashraf Chaudhary, who’s currently hospitalized. The latter has gone through a rough time in the coronavirus pandemic after facing a financial crisis due to the loss of business.
Ashraf Chaudhary is a known name in Mumbai cricketing circles. He was often seen with a cricket kit bag slung around his shoulder, filled with bats and bat-grips, near the Wankhede Stadium’s North Stand dressing room staircase opposite Metro Cinema.
On and around the month of March, cricket tournaments came to a halt owing to the deadly COVID-19 virus.
Ashraf has fixed bats of several noted cricketers including Tendulkar, Virat Kohli but fell on hard times due to COVID-19 as both health and business took a beating.
The veteran has been suffering from pneumonia-related problems and diabetes. In the tough times, he and his family have found it difficult to pay the hospital bills and hence asked for help. Chaudhary’s close friend, Prashant Jethmalani confirmed about Sachin lending his helping hand. He has also been asking other cricketers to come forward and donate.
Sachin Came Forward To Help:
“Tendulkar came forward and has spoken to Ashraf Chacha. He has also helped him financially. A major chunk of the finances has been donated by the legendary batsman,” Jethmalani, on Tuesday, August 25, was quoted as saying in Times Now.
Even international players like Australian Steve Smith, West Indian Chris Gayle, and Kieron Pollard have all hit sixes with bats mended by Ashraf Chacha. The bat maker owns a shop M Ashraf Bro, which is situated at Dhobi Talao in South Mumbai and there have been times when he has repaired bats for free just for his love for the game and the players.
As far as Chaudhary is concerned, he owns an ancestral shop named M Ashraf Bro in South Mumbai. He has mended bats of a number of cricketers around the world, including that of Steve Smith and Chris Gayle. He has also helped out MS Dhoni and current Indian captain Virat Kohli.
In the pandemic situation, Sachin has helped out a number of people. The legendary batsman had donated 50 lakhs to the PM Cares Fund, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Maharashtra CM’s fund. He had also promised to feed at least 5,000 needy people in the lockdown.
