India, England wear green armbands to support BCCI's "Donate Organs, Save Lives" campaign
Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (PTI): India and England cricket teams took the field for the third and final ODI on Wednesday wearing green armbands to support the BCCI's initiative of "Donate Organs, Save Lives" campaign. The BCCI informed this in a statement shortly after the commencement of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
"Both teams are wearing green arm bands to support BCCI's initiative 'Donate Organs, Save Lives'. The initiative is spearheaded by ICC Chairman Mr Jay Shah," the BCCI release stated.
The initiative was announced by ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Shah on Monday.
Shah wrote on X, "On the occasion of the 3rd ODI between India and England in Ahmedabad on February 12th, we are proud to launch an awareness initiative — Donate Organs, Save Lives."
"Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and create lasting impact beyond the field. Through this initiative, we urge everyone to take a step towards giving the greatest gift of all — the gift of life."
"One pledge, one decision, can save multiple lives. Let's come together and make a difference!" he added.
The initiative was supported by several Indian players, including Virat Kohli and vice-captain Shubman Gill.
"Score the ultimate century. Your organs can help others live beyond your lifetime. Register as a donor and make every life count," Kohli said in a video shared by the BCCI.
Gill added, "Be the captain of life. Just like a captain leads the team to victory, you can lead someone to life by pledging to donate your organs."
Other Indian cricketers to support the initiative were batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
"One donor can save up to eight lives. Pledge today and hit a six for humanity," Iyer said.
Rahul added, "Play the ultimate winning shot. Your decision to donate your organs can be the match winning moment in someone's life. Be a hero off the field too."
A heartfelt thank you to cricket fans across India and to @BCCI’s captain @ImRo45 and @ECB_cricket skipper @josbuttler for coming together to amplify the message of "Donate Organs, Save Lives."
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 12, 2025
Proud to share that we've crossed 22,482 pledges—a testament to the power of sport in… pic.twitter.com/V1uFITLHlC
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Fire destroys parked school buses in Thiruvananthapuram, sabotage suspected
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A major fire broke out at a school ground near here in the small hours of Monday, destroying three parked school buses, police said here.
The incident occurred at around 2.45 am at the ground of a Higher Secondary School at Thundathil under Kazhakkoottam police station limits.
Three school buses were completely gutted in the fire, while another bus was partially damaged, police said.
Fire and rescue teams rushed to the area and brought the blaze under control after an operation that lasted about 30 minutes.
A tempo traveller was found close to the buses, raising suspicion of foul play, officials said.
However, it is not yet clear who drove the vehicle or how it reached the area where the buses were parked.
The school authorities and locals suspect that the fire may not have been accidental.
Police said they have begun an investigation to find out the exact cause of the fire.
